CONTENT

PAPER–1

XX ART & CULTURE........................................................................01-07

XX MODERN HISTORY...................................................................08-13
XX WORLD HISTORY......................................................................14-17
XX INDIAN SOCIETY......................................................................18-24
XX GEOGRAPHY.............................................................................25-31

PAPER–2

XX POLITY......................................................................................33-42
XX GOVERNANCE...........................................................................43-53
XX INTERNATIONAL RELATION...................................................54-58

PAPER–3

XX INDIAN ECONOMY..................................................................59-68
XX SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY........................................................69-73
XX ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY...................................................74-79
XX INTERNAL SECURITY................................................................80-85
XX DISASTER MANAGEMENT........................................................86-89

PAPER–4

XX ETHICS.....................................................................................91-103
GS Mains Paper-I 1

GS
PAPER-I
 2 GS Mains Paper-I

ART & CULTURE

TREND ANALYSIS

Every year on average 2-4 questions have been asked by UPSC from the ‘Art and Culture’ section
in GS Paper-I. For ease of analysing the trend, the syllabus has been divided into 5 headings. Here
we shall be looking at these sections briefly and figure out the trends that have been followed.
The broad topics under the Art and Culture section of the GS Paper-I are:

XX Architecture and Sculptures in India

XX Culture and Heritage of India
XX Languages & Literature
XX Indian Religious Philosophies
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR THE ‘ART AND CULTURE’ SECTION:

After analysis of the previous year’s questions asked during 2015-2023 for GS-I, ‘Art and Culture’
section, we can see that the questions are primarily asked from the area mentioned above. Now,
in order to get a better understanding about the syllabus and to get a hold over the trend, we are
going to dissect the topics to see the finer details.

While preparing art and culture, it has to be remembered that topics and themes are interrelated
to each other. For example Sculptural art is related to classical dances, dances are related to
religion. Religion is connected to architecture and so on. Thus it is imperative to understand the
topic in its entirety and take a bird eye view.

Let’s work out an effective strategy to cover the key areas in ‘Art & Culture’ and give a direction
to our preparation. These are the some of the micro topics under each heading that have to be
focused on

XX Architecture and Sculptures in India: It includes following topics

"" Temple Architecture
 Art & Culture 3

"" Evolution of Temple architecture

"" Role of temples in ancient and medieval Indian societies.
"" Contribution of various periods and rulers
"" Beginning of Sculptural Art
"" Evolution of Sculptural Art
"" Different Schools of Sculpture making
"" Role of Buddhism and Jainism in Sculptural art in India
XX Culture and Heritage of India: It includes following topics
"" Meaning of Culture and heritage of India
"" Significance of Culture and heritage of people
"" Conservation of Culture and heritage of India
"" Paintings and folk paintings in India
"" Classical dances and Folk dances of India
"" Classical music and folk music in India
"" Drama and theatre in India
"" Important themes and relevance of Performing arts in India
"" Spread of Indian culture in South East Asia
XX Languages & Literature: It includes following topics
"" Ancient Indian Literature
"" Classical Sanskrit Literature
"" Early Dravidian Literature
"" Medieval Literature
"" Women Poets of Bhakti
"" Trends in Medieval Literature
"" Modern Indian Literature
XX Indian Religious Philosophies
"" Different Schools of philosophies in India
"" Bhakti and Sufi traditions
"" Impact of Bhakti and Sufi traditions
"" Emergence and Buddhism and Jainism
"" Impact of Buddhism and Jainism on Indian culture
 4 GS Mains Paper-I

ART AND CULTURE: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Sculptures &
Architecture in Culture & Languages & Indian Religious
Year India Heritage of India Literature Philosophies
Numismatics in
India

2015 1 1 0 0 0

2016 0 0 1 1 0

2017 0 0 0 0 1

2018 0 1 1 1 0

2019 0 0 0 0 1

2020 2 1 1 0 0

2021 0 0 1 0 0

2022 1 1 0 0 1

2023 0 2 0 0 0

Total 4 6 4 2 3

TREND ANALYSIS

XX Architecture and Sculptures in India: It is one of the most important areas in Art and
Culture. It is important to study the important themes, evolution, rock cut architecture
relevance etc. The maximum number of questions asked in UPSC mains falls in this area.
India is a kaleidoscope of multiple cultures, architectural styles, sculptural schools etc, which
makes this topic very high in demand.
XX History textbooks of Class VI and VII and XI and XII (NCERTs) cover ancient and medieval
history should be studied for building a strong foundation. Apart from that fine arts textbook
of Class XI should be covered. Students must also do some research on their own to be able
to write a lucid answer to multi-dimensional questions being asked by UPSC
XX Culture and Heritage of India: It is a very broad covered and questions asked in this area
by UPSC focuses on important themes, conservation of Indian culture, and comparison of
Indian culture with others. Questions been asked from this area includes some unexpected
questions like on Gupta age numismatics, conservation of Indian heritage etc
XX It requires an in depth analysis of nature of Indian culture and heritage, features of Indian
culture etc. along with standard books like Indian Art & Culture by Nitin Singhania, focus
must also be on newspaper articles and internet including CCRT website.
XX Languages & Literature: It is another important area in Art and Culture, questions asked
in this area include role of Krishna deva Raya, Persian literature, and Arab travellers etc. a
student must keep a track of important areas and read separately on them from different
sources. It is important to keep your sources limited but revise it frequently.
 Art & Culture 5

XX A good number of questions are being asked from this area, thus a comprehensive source
that covers development of language literature through different periods, the various
factors, role of different personalities etc have to be covered.
XX Indian Religious Philosophies: Due to overlapping nature of topics in Art and Culture, it is
important that a student develops a broad outlook and learn to write an all-encompassing
answers using apt vocabulary. Bhakti, sufi traditions, different philosophical schools all must
be studied along with the factors responsible for their growth and impact.

India is a birthplace of many religions, thus its culture and heritage has grown in a multi-
dimensional manner, it has added diversity, colour and different tones to its culture. It has also
been influenced by the foreign cultures that made India its homeland, thus all these aspects have
to be studied and an understanding has to be developed on these aspects which will help to write
answers from a broader perspective.

Thus it can be seen that Art and Culture does not exist in isolation. It is influenced by geopolitical,
social, economic, political influences. A student must also keep various scenarios in mind when
studying a topic. This will help them in writing a legible, lucid and complete answer.


 6 GS Mains Paper-I

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA

Q1. Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times
but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate
this comment. (2015)

Q2. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our
knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (2020)

Q3. Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping
the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (2020)

Q4. Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and
Architecture. (2022)

CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF INDIA

Q5. The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt,
Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved
without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. (2015)

Q6. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment. (2018)

Q7. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India.
Enumerate. (2020)

Q8. Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage
and culture. (2022)

Q9. Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India.
(2023)

Q10. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the
features are still prevailing in Indian society? (2023)
 Art & Culture 7

LANGUAGES & LITERATURE

Q11. Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar
himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. (2016)

Q12. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the
reconstruction of the history of India. (2018)

Q13. Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment
(2020)

Q14. Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture.
(2021)

INDIAN RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHIES

Q15. Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully
expounds Buddhist ideals, Elucidate. (2016)

Q16. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (2018)

SCULPTURES AND NUMISMATICS IN INDIA

Q17. How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art
is not at all noticeable in later times? (2017)

Q18. Highlight the central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. (2019)

Q19. How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life
of those days? (Answer in 150 words) (2022)


 8 GS Mains Paper-I

MODERN HISTORY

TREND ANALYSIS

Every year on average 2-5 questions have been asked by UPSC from the History section in GS
Paper-I For ease of analyzing the trend, the syllabus has been divided into 7 headings. Here we
shall be looking at these sections briefly and figure out the trends that have been followed. The
broad topics under the History section of the GS Paper-I are:

XX Historical Event Prior to revolt of 1857

XX Revolt of 1857
XX Social & Religious Reforms
XX National Movement: 1st Phase Moderate (1885-1905)
XX National Movement: 2nd phase: Extremist (1905 – 1918)
XX National Movement: 3rd phase: Gandhian Phase
XX Transfer of Power: 1940 onwards
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR THE ‘MODERN HISTORY’ SECTION:

After analysis of the previous year’s questions asked during 2015-2023 for GS-I “History” section,
we can see that the questions are primarily asked from the area mentioned above. It highlights
the need to prepare them diligently to fetch good marks in the main examination. Let’s work out
an effective strategy to cover the key areas of History for the UPSC Mains Exam.

XX Historical Event Prior to revolt of 1857: Questions from this topic mainly covers the socio-
economic and political scenarios before the revolt of 1857. The 17th and 18th century India
experienced lot of upheavel that was the deciding factor for the coming centuries.
XX Revolt of 1857: It is regarded as first expression of resistance against British rule. Its impact,
factors and decline etc all are points of exhaustive study. Participation from various sections
of society and its suppression by Britishers have to be studied keeping in mind its role in the
Indian national movement.
 Modern History 9

XX Social & Religious Reforms: Questions from this area mainly include the 19th century social
and religious reform movements, including the cause of women. The caste system, religious
revivalism, role of various reformers and organisations in Indian National movement as
well in bringing social-religious changes etc. Critcal analysis of these aspects is essential for
a comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
XX National Movement-1st Phase Moderate (1885-1905): Indian national movement initial
phase under moderates have to be studied keeping in mind the role of moderates, their
strengths and weaknesses, Formation of INC and its composition, early leadership in
congress, Swadeshi movement, its impact and its different aspects, Role of various leaders etc
XX National Movement-2nd phase: Extremist (1905 – 1918): This phase in Indian national
movement has to be studied keeping in mind the growth of militant nationalism, factors and
outcomes , role of different leaders, difference between moderates and extremists. These
topics have to be studied with a critical outlook.
XX National Movement-3rd phase (Gandhian Phase): It is one of the most important sections.
Role of Mahatma Gandhi, satyagraha, non violence, role of women leaders, role of different
leaders, growth of socialism, labour movement etc have to be covered in a comprehensive
manner. It has to be critically analysed to be able to write a lucid and succinct answer.
XX Transfer of Power-1940 onwards: This segment under the syllabus includes integration of
different princely states, transfer of power, independence, communal politics.
HISTORY: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

National National
Historical National Transfer
Social & Movement: Movement:
Event Prior Revolt Movement: 1st of Power:
Year to revolt of of 1857
Religious
Phase Moderate
2nd phase: 3rd phase:
1940
Reforms Extremist Gandhian
1857 (1885-1905) onwards
(1905 – 1918) Phase

2015 0 0 0 0 0 3 0

2016 0 1 0 0 0 2 0

2017 2 0 1 1 0 1 0

2018 1 0 0 0 0 1 0

2019 1 0 1 0 0 1 1

2020 0 0 0 0 1 1 0

2021 0 0 1 1 0 1 1

2022 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

2023 0 0 1 0 0 1 0

Total 6 1 4 2 1 11 2
 10 GS Mains Paper-I

TREND ANALYSIS

XX We can see more inclination towards questions being asked from national movement 3rd
phase: Gandhian phase. Other areas cannot be ignored as we see questions coming from
each area intermittently.
XX Questions being asked in UPSC require a broad perspective and outlook towards the events
that took place during the course of Indian national movement.
XX Practice of previous year papers from 2013-2023 will help in developing an insight into the
nature of questions being asked and will help you prepare from an examination perspective.
XX Selective reading of India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra and From Plassey
To Partition And After by Sekhar Bandyopadhyay.


 Modern History 11

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

HISTORICAL EVENT PRIOR TO REVOLT OF 1857

Q1. Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented
polity. (2017)

Q2. Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled
the rural economy. (2017)

Q3. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies? have
they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (2018)

Q4. The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions
that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British Rule. Elucidate. (2019)

Q5. The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been
a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with
examples. (2022)

Q6. 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. (2022)

REVOLT OF 1857

Q7. Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution
of British policies towards colonial India. (2016)

SOCIAL & RELIGIOUS REFORMS

Q8. The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social
reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in
that period? (2017)

Q9. Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s Indian renaissance and the
emergence of national identity. (2019)

Q10. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference
to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (2021)
 12 GS Mains Paper-I

Q11. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response
to the colonial oppression? (2023)

NATIONAL MOVEMENT: 1ST PHASE MODERATE

(1885-1905)

Q12. Why did the ‘moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the national about their
proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? (2017)

Q13. To what extent did the role of the moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom
movement? Comment. (2021)

NATIONAL MOVEMENT: 2ND PHASE: EXTREMIST (1905 – 1918)

Q14. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national
movements. (2020)

NATIONAL MOVEMENT: 3RD PHASE: GANDHIAN PHASE

Q15. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without
Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (2015)
Q16. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and
strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.
(2015)
Q17. It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic
task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but its
experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. (2015)
Q18. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian
phase. (2016)
Q19. Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma
Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (2016)
Q20. Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian
Independence since the twenties of the last century. (2017)
Q21. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present
times. (2018)
Q22. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the
Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (2019)
 Modern History 13

Q23. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological
strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (2020)
Q24. Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation
Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (2021)
Q25. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their
approach towards education and nationalism? (2023)

TRANSFER OF POWER: 1940 ONWARDS

Q26. Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of
power during the 1940s. (2019)

Q27. Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration
process of Indian Princely States. (2021)


 14 GS Mains Paper-I

WORLD HISTORY

TREND ANALYSIS
Every year on average 1-2 questions have been asked by UPSC from the World History section in
GS Paper-I. For ease of analysing the trend, the syllabus has been divided into 5 headings. Here
we shall be looking at these sections briefly and figure out the trends that have been followed.
The broad topics under the ‘World History’ section of the GS Paper-I are:

XX Industrial revolution
XX American revolution & French revolution
XX World War I & II
XX Decolonization and redraw of national boundaries
XX Political philosophies and their effect on society
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR THE ‘WORLD HISTORY’ SECTION:

After the analysis of the previous year’s questions asked during 2015-2023 for GS-I, “World
History” section, it comes out, that questions are primarily asked from the area mentioned above.
It highlights the need to prepare them smartly to fetch good marks in the main examination. Let’s
try to work out an effective strategy to cover the key areas of World History for the UPSC Mains
Exam.

XX Industrial Revolution: This topic highlights the need to acknowledge the importance of
the underlying reasons or factors responsible for the occurrence of historical events. The
question asked about the industrial revolution tends to revolve around the prevailing socio-
economic conditions at that time and its impact on the people.
XX American revolution & French revolution: Renaissance, a period of enlightenment which
although not specifically mentioned in the syllabus, need to be covered thoroughly because
they are important to understand these two revolutions. For example, as an outcome of the
French revolution, the idea of nationalism spread across the globe and as these revolutions
progressed, they challenged the old regimes and paved the path for later events in the 19th
century. The question from this section is primarily based on the significance and the impact
of these revolutions.
 world history 15

XX World War I & II: This section like every other section in world history is dependent on
previous events, hence must not be studied in isolation. Colonization and the industrial
revolution when reached to their peak, resulted in a quest for dominance and it led to
World War I. Later on, the great depression and ideologies like communism, socialism, and
capitalism started getting acceptance. The cumulative impact of these events resulted in
WWII. Questions like the role of Germany in the world wars and challenges faced by the
democratic state systems have been asked in the examination.
XX Decolonization and redraw of national boundaries: The old establishment/territories
were challenged by the newly arrived ideas of nationalism, which were fuelled by revolutions.
It led to the formation of new countries and hence the redraw of national boundaries. In the
past years, UPSC has asked questions like the impact of the World War in West Africa and
factors leading to the decolonisation process in the Malay Peninsula.
XX Political philosophies and their effect on society: Industrial revolution to some extent
divided the world into two classes: ‘the haves and the have-nots’. In addition to that, the
19th century also witnessed the rise of political ideologies like capitalism, communalism,
and socialism. These ideologies were somewhat an outcome of the industrial revolution.
Although not many questions have been asked in this section, still students while preparing
this section, one must prepare well for the role of Carl Marx, in confronting the idea of free
markets, and division in society.

WORLD HISTORY: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

American Decolonization and

Industrial
Year revolution & World Wars-I & II redraw of national
revolution
French revolution boundaries

2015 1 0 1 0

2016 0 0 0 1

2017 0 0 0 1

2018 0 0 0 0

2019 0 1 0 0

2020 0 0 0 0

2021 0 0 1 0

2022 0 0 0 0

2023 1 0 1 0

Total 2 1 2 2
 16 GS Mains Paper-I

TREND ANALYSIS:

XX ‘World History’ is an important segment of GS paper-1 and despite maintaining a low profile
in terms of weightage it must not be forgotten that the modern world that we are seeing
today is an outcome of past events. It must be noted that preparing this section well may
also get reflected in other GS papers as well.
XX To prepare for this section, the aspirants must follow a smart approach. UPSC generally
avoids asking for minuscule details from World History.
XX Aspirants should not focus too much on facts and figures. They should try to develop an
analytical approach to prepare for World History.
XX One should learn World History with an unbiased approach and analyse the causes and
results of every event. The questions asked for the UPSC Mains exam may not be direct. So,
without a thorough understanding of the basics of world history, the aspirants may even fail
to understand the question itself.
XX It is important that the aspirants must be thorough with the topics mentioned in the syllabus.
Aspirants must opt for a cautious but smart approach while preparing for this section.
Theme-based studies and selective reading can go a long way.
XX The aspirant may refer to NCERT textbooks (old and new) and supplement them with other
standard books referred by the respective faculties.
XX A few books which may be referred for selected readings: Mastering Modern World History
– by Norman Lowe; History of Modern World – by BV Rao; History of Modern World – by Jain
and Mathur, etc.
XX Later, to supplement the classroom content, the student must refer to the previous year’s
question. It will also help in staying focused on the requirement of the examination.
XX Like every other general studies paper, note-making plays a crucial role here too. It will help
the aspirant to organise its preparation in a better manner.
XX Last but not the least, let us emphasize one more time that while preparing ‘world history’,
the student must not opt for an event-centric approach. Rather a theme-based approach
has better chances of yielding fruitful results. The thematic study will also enable the student
to make a meaningful comparative analysis.


 world history 17

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Q1. Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of
the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India
at present? (2015)

Q2. Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different
countries of the world. (2023)

AMERICAN REVOLUTION & FRENCH REVOLUTION

Q3. Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and
French Revolutions. (2019)

WORLD WARS-I & II

Q4. To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars?
Discuss critically. (2015)

Q5. “There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two
World Wars”. Evaluate the statement. (2021)

DECOLONIZATION AND REDRAW OF NATIONAL BOUNDARIES

Q6. The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-
educated Africans. Examine. (2016)

Q7. What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay
Peninsula? (2017)


 18 GS Mains Paper-I

INDIAN SOCIETY

TREND ANALYSIS
Every year on average 5-6 questions have been asked by UPSC from the Society section in GS
Paper-I. For ease of analysing the trend, the syllabus has been divided into 5 headings. Here we
shall be looking at these sections and the trends that have been followed. The broad topics under
the Economy section of the GS Paper-I are:

XX Unity in diversity
XX Globalization
XX Secularism, Communalism, Regionalism
XX Empowerment- Caste, Tribe, Women, Poor, Social Security
XX Urbanization
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR THE ‘SOCIETY’ SECTION:

After analysing the previous year’s questions asked during 2015-2023 for GS-I, Society section,
it becomes clear that the questions are primarily asked from the above-mentioned sub-topics.
So, they must be prepared diligently in order to fetch good marks in the main examination. Let’s
understand a lucid and effective preparation strategy for preparing for the Indian Society for
UPSC Mains Exam.

XX Unity in diversity: This section deals with the important multi-cultural facets of Indian
Society, customs and traditions, attributes of the caste system and its prevalence, etc. The
aspirant must be versed with the basics and able to draw comparative analysis by correlating
the static ideas with contemporary issues in order to write a good answer.
XX Globalization: Although a smaller number of questions are asked in this section, consistency
is visible if we look at the previous year’s questions. Primarily the questions related to the
role and impact of globalization on Indian society, threats to culture due to globalization,
and the impact of globalization on gender are important areas from where questions are
generally asked.
XX Secularism, Communalism, Regionalism: Social empowerment is crucial for the
development of society as a whole, and political ideologies like communalism, regionalism,
 Indian Society 19

and secularism affect society differently. Their consequences and the transformation that
these ideologies bring to society make this section important.
XX Empowerment- Caste, Tribe, Women, Poor, Social Security: Another important aspect
not to ignore is the inequalities in India existing socially, economically, and politically. A
minority of the richer class keeps a majority of resources while a vast majority is living in
poverty and hunger. Dalits and Tribals are still backward. Even when we are celebrating the
75th year of Independence, not all of them attained equal status with the rest of the society.
The same is the case with women in India. The coverage of the topic is vast, so must be
prepared accordingly.
XX Urbanization: A cursory look at the question from this section indicates that the question is
framed from contemporary topics, like migration issues, poverty-induced population divide,
issues arising due to urbanization, and their workable solutions.
SOCIETY: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Empowerment-
Secularism,
Unity in Caste, Tribe,
Year Communalism, Globalization Urbanization
diversity Women, Poor,
Regionalism
Social Security
2015 1 0 2 1 2

2016 0 2 2 1 0

2017 2 1 1 0 1

2018 3 2 2 1 0

2019 3 1 2 0 0

2020 2 1 2 1 0

2021 1 0 2 1 2

2022 2 1 1 1 1

2023 1 1 3 1 1

Total 15 9 17 7 7

TREND ANALYSIS:

XX Start with NCERTs to acquaint yourself well with the fundamentals of these topics with
the help of NCERT textbooks. In particular, study the Class XI and XII Sociology NCERTs for
conceptual clarity.
XX Unity in diversity and empowerment are major important areas from where questions are
repeatedly being asked. However while preparing other areas have to be prepared as well
and cannot be ignored.
 20 GS Mains Paper-I

XX Focus on the crux of social issues like casteism, communalism, poverty, gender inequality,
hunger issues, and other similar Indian Society issues. An aspirant should be aligned with
the development initiatives relating to these issues.
XX An aspirant should always keep in mind that his/her aim will be to crack the exam and not
get an extreme view of the situation; hence he/she should shy away from writing unfeasible
and unrealistic solutions to the social issues in the Indian society.
XX Connecting the aspects of culture, society, polity, geography, and economics with the issues
of Indian Society can help to gain an edge over the others. Hence, one should always try to
read from different perspectives and try to form a balanced opinion.
XX The answer can be supplemented and improved if one has an idea of what is happening
around us. For that, we need to know the current affairs and latest schemes that the
government has brought up, models, and pilot studies that the government has done for
the social welfare of the people. For that, a good national daily, magazines like Yojana and
Kurukshetra may be referred to.
XX While answering the question, do not merely stick to the theory part but also provide
solutions that are not only practical but much more contemporary than the other available
alternatives.
XX The student has to read their basic textbooks, ensure that they have a clear understanding,
and remain focused on the syllabus.
XX As one single book does not cover the entire syllabus, so it is advised to use the syllabus and
gather the information about the topic from the standard books.


 Indian Society 21

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Q1. Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative
significance in building a national identity. (2015)

Q2. In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural
units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. (2017)

Q3. The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from
very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.
(2017)

Q4. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste
system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment (2018)

Q5. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the
economy of India. (2018)

Q6. Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and
explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.
(2018)

Q7. What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. (2019)

Q8. Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with
examples. (2019)

Q9. Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (2019)

Q10. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society?
Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (2020)

Q11. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
(2020)

Q12. How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate
the changes taking place in it. (2021)

Q13. Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships.
(2022)

Q14. Analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.
(2022)
 22 GS Mains Paper-I

Q15. Do you think marriage as a sacrament in loosing its value in Modern India? (2023)

SECULARISM, COMMUNALISM, REGIONALISM

Q16. What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of

development on regional basis eventually promotes regionally? Substantiate your
answer. (2016)

Q17. Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?
(2016)

Q18. Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving on example

of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent Indian.
(2017)

Q19. How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism?
Discuss. (2018)

Q20. Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by
giving suitable illustrations. (2018)

Q21. What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism? (2019)

Q22. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural
assertiveness? Argue. (2020)

Q23. Are tolerance assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian
form of secularism? Justify your answer. (2022)

Q24. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.
(2023)

EMPOWERMENT- CASTE, TRIBE, WOMEN, POOR, SOCIAL

SECURITY

Q25. Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit
identity work towards annihilation of caste. (2015)

Q26. How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is
more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? (2015)

Q27. “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process
of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. (2016)
 Indian Society 23

Q28. Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major
provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (2016)

Q29. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing
discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (2017)

Q30. Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the

government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (2018)

Q31. Women’s movement in India has not addresses the issues of women of lower social
strata.’ Substantiate your view. (2018)

Q32. Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss. (2019)

Q33. What are the continued challenges for the women in India against time and space?
(2019)

Q34. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment
(2020)

Q35. Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with
mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (2021)

Q36. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education
system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (2020)

Q37. Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in
India. (2021)

Q38. Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts
should they be considered as a single category? (2022)

Q39. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society. (2023)

Q40. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the
socialization of children. (2023)

Q41. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (2023)

GLOBALIZATION

Q42. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India.
(2015)

Q43. To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India?
Explain. (2016)
 24 GS Mains Paper-I

Q44. ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this
cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate
(2018)

Q45. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalization? Justify your
answer. (2020)

Q46. What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting
Indian society also? (2021)

Q47. Elucidate the relationship between Globalisation and New technology in world of
scarce resources, with special reference to India. (2022)

Q48. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in
India? (2023)

URBANIZATION

Q49. Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is
the main cause of population increase in India. (2015)

Q50. Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the
last four decades. (2015)

Q51. The growth of cities as I.T hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has
also created new problems.” Substantiate this statement with examples.
(2017)

Q52. What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT
industries in major cities of India? (2021)

Q53. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to
achieve them in India in detail. (2021)

Q54. 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? (2022)

Q55. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in
Indian metropolises? (2023)


 Geography 25

GEOGRAPHY

TREND ANALYSIS
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR GEOGRAPHY

Geography is considered to be one of the pillar subjects in UPSC CSE preparation. The importance
of the subject derives from the fact that it is asked in all the three stages of examination. In
order to score well in this subject, concept clarity is of utmost importance. NCERTs are the best
source to have crystal clear picture about various concepts in geography. One should also devote
some time to atlas. Best way to go about it is to keep an atlas alongside while studying any
geographical phenomena. This will enhance the applicability part of the concept which will bear
rewards while answering the dynamic main questions. Before indulging into studying, knowledge
about the syllabus and type of questions asked becomes very vital to frame a boundary for your
preparation.

UPSC GEOGRAPHY MAIN SYLLABUS IS STRUCTURED AROUND 5 PILLARS

XX Salient features of World’s Physical Geography: Prominent areas - Origin and Evolution
of Earth, Plate tectonics, Mountain Ranges, Bottom topography of the Oceans, Salinity of the
oceans, Ocean currents.
XX Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world: Prominent areas- Energy Resources,
Forest and wild life resources, Land and Water resources, Agriculture revolutions and its
socio-economic implications, Resources and political aspects, Cropping pattern, Regional
development and planning: Watershed management, Geopolitics of Indian Ocean Realm
XX Factors responsible for the location of Industries :Prominent Area- Locational Factors of
iron and steel industries, New industrial policies and strategies, Locational factors of agro
based industries, Industrial Regionalisation, Locational Factors of Petroleum industries,
Transport and communication
XX Important Geophysical Phenomena: Prominent Area- Monsoons and Air masses
XX Critical geographical features and Impact of Climate change: Prominent Areas-
Desertification, Global ecological changes, Environmental degradation, Environmental hazards
and remedial measures, Climate change, Issues relating to environmental pollution, Influence
of man on ecology and environment, Contemporary issues: Linkage of rivers
 26 GS Mains Paper-I

GEOGRAPHY: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Critical
Salient Distribution Factors
geographical
features of Key Natural responsible Important
features
Year of World’s Resources for the Geophysical
and Impact
Physical across the location of Phenomena
of Climate
Geography world Industries
change

2015 1 2 0 0 4

2016 0 5 1 1 4

2017 2 1 1 1 3

2018 1 2 2 0 1

2019 0 1 2 0 5

2020 0 3 1 1 3

2021 1 1 1 1 3

2022 1 3 2 1 1

2023 1 3 0 1 1

Total 7 21 10 6 25

TREND ANALYSIS

XX According to the trend analysis we can find a balance in the nature of questions asked. One
can find questions related to both static as well as current happenings.
XX While answering geography questions students must ensure to add elements of both static
and current in their answers.
XX If we look at the sub-categorisation of the questions asked we will find that it is inclining
more towards Global ecological changes, Environmental hazards and remedial measures and
Factors responsible for the location of Industries.
XX But a wise advice would be to cover all the sections of the syllabus while having a special focus
on the above mentioned topics.


 Geography 27

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

SALIENT FEATURES OF WORLD’S PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Q1. Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents? How do they
influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? (2015)

Q2. Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.
(2017)

Q3. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of
the Earth? (2017)

Q4. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (2018)

Q5. Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain
their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (2021)

Q6. Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. (2021)

Q7. Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (2022)

Q8. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque
areas of the world? (2023)

DISTRIBUTION OF KEY NATURAL RESOURCES

ACROSS THE WORLD

Q9. India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still
suffers from water scarcity. (2015)

Q10. What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible
environemental consequences? (2015)

Q11. Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic
and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (2016)

Q12. The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the
human miseries. Explain. (2016)

Q13. In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in

drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? (2016)

Q14. South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context.
Comment. (2016)
 28 GS Mains Paper-I

Q15. Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016
was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. (2017)

Q16. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting
system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (2018)

Q17. Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture
development in India. (2018)

Q18. Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region? (2018)

Q19. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (2019)

Q20. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in
its developments. Elaborate. (2020)

Q21. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate
change. (2020)

Q22. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water
resources of India? (2020)

Q23. Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in

the world. (2021)

Q24. Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their
limited spatial spread. (2022)

Q25. Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major
environmental issues faced by them. (2022)

Q26. Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’. (2022)

Q27. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to
freshwater resources? (2023)

Q28. Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the
status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (2023)

Q29. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation
in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forests regions of
India. (2023)

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOCATION OF INDUSTRIES

Q30. Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.
(2016)

Q31. Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing
areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.
(2017)
 Geography 29

Q32. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial

corridors, explain their main characteristics. (2018)
Q33. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it
help in navigation? (2018)
Q34. Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting
employment in India? (2019)
Q35. Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of
North-West India. (2019)
Q36. Account for the present location of Iron and Steel industries away from the source
of raw material, by giving examples. (2020)
Q37. Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry
contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.
(2021)
Q38. What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in the fishing
industry of the world. (2022)
Q39. Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (2022)

IMPORTANT GEOPHYSICAL PHENOMENA

Q40. Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.
(2016)
Q41. What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding
more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (2017)
Q42. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. (2020)
Q43. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on
regional environment. (2021)
Q44. Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather
processes. How? (2022)
Q45. Why is the South-West monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region?
How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the
region? (2023)

CRITICAL GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES & IMPACT OF CLIMATE

CHANGE

Q46. How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing
due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss. (2015)
 30 GS Mains Paper-I

Q47. Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air
pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why
is this so? (2015)

Q48. The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching
the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
(2015)

Q49. Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart vilages. Discuss this statement in
the backdrop of rural urban integration. (2015)

Q50. Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.
(2016)

Q51. “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest
suitable measures of mitigation. (2016)

Q52. With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives
and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’. (2016)

Q53. In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all
weather inland navigation in India? (2017)

Q54. How does Cryosphere affect the climate change? (2017)

Q55. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for
development.” Discuss. (2017)

Q56. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem?
(2018)

Q57. Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples.
(2019)

Q58. How ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the
coastal environment? Give suitable examples. (2019)

Q59. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in
maintaining coastal ecology. (2019)

Q60. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of
development initiatives and tourism? (2019)

Q61. How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic
development of India? (2019)

Q62. The process of desertification doesn’t have climate boundaries. Justify with
examples. (2020)
 Geography 31

Q63. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like
Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (2020)

Q64. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional
inter related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically
examine. (2020)

Q65. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.
(2021)

Q66. How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect
the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (2021)

Q67. What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into
urban land use? Explain with examples. (2021)

Q68. Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas
given by Indian Meteorological Department of India. (2022)

Q69. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical
countries. (2023)


GS Mains Paper-II 33

GS
PAPER-II
 34 GS Mains Paper-II

POLITY

TREND ANALYSIS
Every year on average 6-9 questions have been asked by UPSC from the Polity section in GS Paper-
II. For ease of analyzing the trend, the syllabus has been divided into 6 headings. Here we shall
be looking at these sections briefly and figure out the trends that have been followed. The broad
topics under the Polity section of the GS Paper-II are:

XX Indian Constitution
XX Federalism, Local Government, and Special Areas
XX Parliament and State Legislatures
XX Executive & Judiciary-Structure, Organization, and Functioning
XX Constitutional posts and bodies & statutory, regulatory, and Quasi-judicial bodies
XX Elections in India, RPA, and Miscellaneous
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR THE ‘POLITY’ SECTION:

After analysis of the previous year’s questions asked during 2015-2023 for GS-II, “Polity” section,
we can see that the questions are primarily asked from the area mentioned above. It highlights
the need to prepare them diligently to fetch good marks in the main examination. Let’s work out
an effective strategy to cover the key areas of Polity for the UPSC Mains Exam.

XX Indian Constitution: The key area from this topic could be, the enactment of the constitution,
basic structure, preamble, features of the Indian constitution, Parliamentary system,
fundamental rights, directive principle of state policy, separation of power, universal adult
franchise, and basic structure, etc.
XX Federalism, Local Government, and Special Areas: This section deals with the federal and
unitary features of the constitution, center-state relations, interstate relations, emergency
provisions, union territories, Panchayati raj institutions, urban local bodies, etc.
XX Parliament and State Legislatures: This section deals with the Parliament, the functioning
of various parliamentary committees, the working of legislative councils and legislative
procedures in the state legislature, etc.
 Polity 35

XX Executive & Judiciary-Structure, Organization, and Functioning: This section touches

upon the various aspects of the Indian judicial system, like the independence of the judiciary,
judicial appointments, the role of executives, and issues like the representation of women in
the higher judiciary. A significant number of questions can be expected in this section.
XX Constitutional posts and bodies & statutory, regulatory, and Quasi-judicial bodies: This
section comprises of sub-topics such as constitutional bodies, to name a few, the election
commission, finance commission, CAG, CVC, Human right commission and GST council, etc.
XX Elections in India, RPA and Miscellaneous: This section deals with the electoral process in
India, voting behaviour, the provisions of the representation of people act, electoral reforms,
and committees related to electoral reforms

Constitutional
Federalism, Executive posts and
Elections
Local Parliament & Judiciary- bodies &
Indian in India,
Year Government, and State Structure, statutory,
Constitution RPA, and
and Special Legislatures Organization, regulatory, and
Miscellaneous
Areas and Functioning Quasi-judicial
bodies

2015 2 1 0 2 0 1

2016 4 2 0 0 0 1

2017 3 0 1 1 3 1

2018 1 2 1 1 4 1

2019 3 1 1 1 0 1

2020 2 1 2 1 1 1

2021 1 2 3 2 1 0

2022 2 1 0 2 1 1

2023 4 2 2 2 1 0

Total 22 12 10 12 11 7

TREND ANALYSIS:

XX It is important that the aspirants must be thorough with the topics mentioned in the syllabus.
Aspirants must also dig into the finer details of the syllabus. We have tried to do the same
in this analysis.
XX The list of topics mentioned in the analysis requires a combination of conventional as well as
current preparation. Keeping this fact in mind, the aspirant should refer to NCERT textbooks
and other standard books referred by the respective faculties.
XX Later to supplement the classroom content, the student may refer to India Year Book, daily
updates by PIB, and keep track of national dailies.
 36 GS Mains Paper-II

XX Note-making is crucial for this paper and it is advisable to make your own notes which later
can be supplemented with recent initiatives and relevant developments.
XX A candidate must be well aware of the local happenings and this way it creates a sense of
awareness about one’s rights, duties, and responsibilities and helps one to take an informed
view over the questions/issues asked in the examination.
XX An aspirant who is aware of the dynamic nature of the syllabus understands the importance
of holistically covering the syllabus and keeping a regular track of various policies of the
government, center-state relations, new bills, laws, governance issues, social justice and
optimally utilizing authentic resources like Yojana and reports issued by various ministries.


 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

INDIAN CONSTITUTION

Q1. Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during
Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of
the Apex court in this regard. (2015)
Q2. Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform
civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (2015)
Q3. Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.
(2016)
Q4. Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is
derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the
Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG)
jurisdiction. (2016)
Q5. Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they
defendable in the present circumstances? (2016)
Q6. What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is
of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (2016)
Q7. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the
Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (2017)
Q8. Explain the salient features of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment)
Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough “to remove cascading effect of taxes
and provide for common national market for goods and services”? (2017)
Q9. Explain the salient features of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment)
Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough “to remove cascading effect of taxes
and provide for common national market for goods and services”? (2017)
Q10. Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the
two political systems are based. (2018)
Q11. What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach towards to
secularism? (2019)
Q12. Do you think that constitution of India doesn’t accept principle of strict separation of
powers rather it is based on the principle of checks and balances? (2019)
Q13. “Parliament’s power to amend the constitution is a limited power and it cannot
be enlarged into absolute power”. In the light of this statement explain whether
parliament under article 368 of the constitution can destroy the basic structure of the
constitution by expanding its amending power? (2019)
 38 GS Mains Paper-II

Q14. Indian constitution exhibits centralizing 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. (2020)
Q15. The judicial system in India and UK seem to be converging as well diverging in recent
times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two
nations in terms of their judicial practices. (2020)
Q16. Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of
the USA and India. (2021)
Q17. “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization
of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the
help of relevant case laws. (2022)
Q18. Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available
to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute. Comment (2022)
Q19. Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary
sovereignty. (2023)
Q20. ” The Construction of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous
dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society. (2023)
Q21. Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant
Constitutional Provisions and case laws. (2023)
Q22. Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of
using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s. (2023)

FEDERALISM, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND SPECIAL AREAS

Q23. The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent
years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which
cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings. (2015)
Q24. Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if
any that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives
and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you
think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal
politics? (2016)
Q25. To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note
“Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary?
Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (2016)
Q26. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle
between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (2018)
Q27. Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government.
Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for
financing developmental projects? (2018)
 Polity 39

Q28. From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers
by the courts, ‘Principle of federal supremacy’ and ‘harmonious construction’ have
emerged. Explain. (2019)

Q29. How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the
nature of federation of India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.
(2020)

Q30. How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the
states to improve their fiscal position? (2021)

Q31. 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 States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain
with special reference to the federal character of India. (2021)

Q32. “While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the parties
regional are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment. (2022)

Q33. “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally
as well as financially.” Comment. (2023)

Q34. Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent
does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism (2023)

PARLIAMENT AND STATE LEGISLATURES

Q35. The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two Houses of
the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also
the occasions when it cannot, with reason thereof. (2017)

Q36. Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary
work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (2018)

Q37. Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in

turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.
(2019)

Q38. ‘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
implication for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (2020)

Q39. Rajyasabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tire’ to the most useful
supportive organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as areas in which
this transformation could be visible. (2020)
 40 GS Mains Paper-II

Q40. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the
executive in India? (2021)

Q41. Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established.
Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable
illustrations. (2021)

Q42. 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. (2021)

Q43. Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order
and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic
practices. (2023)

Q44. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the
financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament? (2023)

EXECUTIVE & JUDICIARY- STRUCTURE,

ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONING

Q45. What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve
India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. (2015)

Q46. Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of
separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to
promulgate ordinances, analyse whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the
issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate
the ordinances be repealed? (2015)

Q47. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments
Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in
India. (2017)

Q48. Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the
President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in
force? (2018)

Q49. “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of
India.” Discuss. (2019)

Q50. 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. (2020)
 Polity 41

Q51. ‘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. (2021)

Q52. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to
ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (2021)

Q53. Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
(2022)

Q54. 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. (2022)

Q55. “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”.

Comment. (2023)

Q56. Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal
Services Authority(NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (2023)

CONSTITUTIONAL POSTS AND BODIES &

STATUTORY, REGULATORY AND QUASI-JUDICIAL BODIES

Q57. What is quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. (2017)

Q58. Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the
government to the people. (2017)

Q59. To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has
proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are
they significant to make democracy successful? (2017)

Q60. How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the
terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. (2018)

Q61. “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain
how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range
of powers he can exercise. (2018)

Q62. Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the
implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious
minority institutions? Examine. (2018)

Q63. How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary
courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of
the tribunals in India. (2018)
 42 GS Mains Paper-II

Q64. 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. (2020)

Q65. 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. (2021)

Q66. Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of
the Model Code of Conduct. (2022)

Q67. Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of
dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent
decisions. (2023)

ELECTIONS IN INDIA, RPA AND MISCELLANEOUS

Q68. Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra – constitutional
authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations.
Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to
set the things right in this regard. (2015)

Q69. The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be
full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. (2016)

Q70. “Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the
amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s
accountability to the people.” Discuss. (2017)

Q71. In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines
(EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the
trustworthiness of elections in India? (2018)

Q72. “There is a need for simplification of Procedure for disqualification of persons found
guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of peoples Act”. Comment.
(2020)

Q73. On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the

representation of people act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such
person against his disqualification. (2019)

Q74. 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. (2022)
 Governance 43

GOVERNANCE

TREND ANALYSIS
Every year on average 7-9 questions have been asked by UPSC from the Governance & Social
Justice section in GS Paper-II. For ease of analyzing the trend, the syllabus has been divided into 9
headings. Here we shall be looking at these sections and the trends that have been followed. The
broad topics under the Governance and social justice section of the GS Paper-II are:

XX Local Government
XX Pressure Groups-Development
XX Policies/ Interventions
XX Transparency/Accountability/E-governance
XX Social Sector
XX Poverty/Hunger: Issues relating to poverty and hunger
XX Civil Service
XX Regulatory Bodies
XX Welfare Schemes

All the above areas have to be looked at in sync with the “Basic Aspects and Concepts related to
Governance and Social Justice” like Governance, Good governance, Barriers to Good Governance,
Social Justice, etc

AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR THE ‘GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE’ SECTION

After analysis of the previous year’s questions asked during 2015-2023 for GS-II, “Governance”
section, we can see that the questions are primarily asked from the above-mentioned topics.
So, the areas mentioned above must be prepared well in order to fetch good marksin the main
examination. Let’s understand an effective strategy for preparing Governance and Social justice
for UPSC Mains Exam.

XX Local Government:Questions from this sub-topic usually carry a common theme, which is
analysing the impact of local governance in the backdrop of its functionality, the role played
in providing healthcare facilities, empowering women, and how effective as an instrument
of governance it has been during the past years.
 44 GS Mains Paper-II

XX Pressure Groups: Development-The question from this section primarily deals with the
role of NGOs, SHGs, the role of non-state actors, and farmers’ organizations, in influencing
public policy matters.
XX Policies/ Interventions: The questions from this section, are generally related to the
performance of government policies and the impact of interventions. Many times, the
questions are also being asked from a specific component of a policy, asking for constructive
criticism and suggestions.
XX Transparency/Accountability/E-Gov: Question from important aspects of governance,
digital revolution, corporate governance, and citizen charters has been repeatedly asked in
the examination.
XX Social Sector: In this section, questions are generally asked about sectors life, education,
healthcare, and sanitation. In addition, policies addressing to the issues of water needs, and
their performances on various development indices remain relevant in the examination.
XX Poverty/Hunger: Almost every year questions are asked from this section. The core areas
from where questions are generally asked are Issues relating to poverty, hunger, government
response to Hunger, poverty alleviation programs, and micro finance.
XX Civil Service: It is another important area from which questions are asked repeatedly year
after year. Some of the key areas from where questions are generally asked: Reforms in civil
services, changing roles of civil services, and the role of civil services in a democracy.
XX Regulatory Bodies: Important topics from this area are: Redressal of grievances, Statutory
and various quasi-judicial bodies.
XX Welfare Schemes: Important areas from this sub-topic are: Welfare schemes for vulnerable
sections of the population and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws,
institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable
sections.

Transparency/
Local Pressure Policies/ Social Poverty/ Civil Regulatory Welfare
Year Accountability/
Government Groups Interventions Sector Hunger Service Bodies Schemes
E-governance

2015 1 3 0 2 2 1 0 1 0

2016 0 1 1 3 1 0 1 0 1

2017 1 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 2

2018 1 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 2

2019 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 2

2020 1 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 0

2021 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

2022 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 2

2023 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1

Total 6 11 6 11 11 8 3 3 12
 Governance 45

GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

XX It is really important that the aspirants must be thorough with the sub-topics mentioned in
the syllabus like the role of SHGs, citizen charters, pressure groups, e-governance, etc. By
analysing the last 9 years question paper, it can be seen that the UPSC has been consistently
framing questions from this section.
XX Governance and social justice is one of the core pillars of GS paper II. According to the
syllabus provided by the UPSC for GS paper II, Government policies; Transparency;
Accountability; E-governance applications are the suggested areas for reading to prepare
for the governance section.
XX Other important topics are aspects of governance, the role of civil services, welfare schemes
for vulnerable sections, etc.
XX An aspirant who is aware of the dynamic nature of the syllabus understands the importance
of holistically covering the syllabus and keeping a regular track of news developments and
optimally utilizing authentic resources like Yojana and reports issued by various ministries is
well placed in the journey of civil services examination.
XX Note-making is crucial for this paper and it is advisable to make your own notes which later
can be supplemented with the recent initiatives. Analysis of government schemes with
respect to vulnerable and marginalized sections of society is also important. To gain an edge
in the exam, one should refer to sources like the PIB website and recommendations of the
2ndARC reports.

Governance and Social Justice: Marks out of 250

Year Total Marks 10 12.5 15

2015 125 0 10 0

2016 100 0 8 0

2017 110 5 0 4

2018 85 4 0 3

2019 110 5 0 4

2020 90 3 0 4

2021 100 4 0 4

2022 85 4 0 3

2023 65 2 0 3

In the direction of providing additional insight to the aspirants, we have compiled a list of
“Thrust- Areas” from the Governance and social justice Section. Key areas of relevance have been
segregated after an in-depth analysis of the previous year’s papers and have been provided in a
tabular format as follows.
 46

Governance and Social Justice: Thrust Areas

Pressure Transparency/
Policies/ Poverty/
Groups Accountability/E- Social Sector Civil Service
Local Interventions Hunger
(PG) governance
Government Regulatory Welfare
Bodies Schemes

Whistle-blower,
Human
Education, Governance, Poverty, Reforms,
NGOs, Development, development
Governance, transparency, Hunger, Bureaucracy, NCW,
SHGs, PG Environment, Education, Independence
Health, E-Governance, Micro- and Policies, Etc
in General LPG Health,
Reservation Citizens Charter, Finance Development
Sanitation
ICT


GS Mains Paper-II
 Governance 47

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Q1. In absence of well – educated and organised local level government system,
‘Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not
effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss. (2015)
Q2. “The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument
of governance.” Critically examine the statement and give your view to improve the
situation. (2017)
Q3. Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to
achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (2018)
Q4. The reservation of seats for women in the institution of local self government has
had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian political processes.
(2019)
Q5. The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their
formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of
‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of
their functionality in recent times. (2020)
Q6. To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed
the governance landscape at the grassroots? (2022)

PRESSURE GROUPS-DEVELOPMENT

Q7. Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs
under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. (2015)

Q8. The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own
innovation , has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women
empowerment programmes. Elucidate. (2015)

Q9. How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating
to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.
(2015)

Q10. “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only
marginal.” Critically examine this statement. (2016)

Q11. How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this
view that informal pressure groups have emerged as more powerful than formal
pressure groups in recent years? (2017)
 48 GS Mains Paper-II

Q12. “The emergence of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the
show but steady withdrawal of the State from developmental activities.” Examine
the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the
Government of India to promote the SHGs. (2017)

Q13. What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policy-
makers in India and how effective are these methods? (2019)

Q14. Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain
how the business associations contribute to public policies. (2021)

Q15. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken
through micro financing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (2021)

Q16. 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. (2021)

Q17. 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. (2022)

POLICIES/INTERVENTIONS

Q18. Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands
of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the
government do to be responsive to this important change? (2016)

Q19. “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have
resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to environment.”
Comment with relevant illustrations. (2018)

Q20. The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent
component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the
sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the
light of statements above, examine India’s Development process. (2019)

Q21. Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, couple with lack of Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic
development? Examine with justification. (2021)

Q22. The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and
the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. (2022)

Q23. Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer
Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment (2022)
 Governance 49

Q24. Skill development programs have succeed in increasing human resources supply
to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between
education, skill and employment. (2023)

TRANSPARENCY/ACCOUNTABILITY/EGOV

Q25. In the light of Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate
governance to ensure transparency, accountability. (2015)

Q26. “If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament
is passed, there may be no one left to protect.” Critically evaluate. (2015)

Q27. “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation
in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship with each
other in context of India. (2016)

Q28. In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss
briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the
decline of public morality in India. (2016)

Q29. “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower
becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been
taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more
productive and employable? (2016)

Q30. E-governance in not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also
much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain. (2018)

Q31. E-governance in not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also
much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain. (2018)

Q32. The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and

accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest
measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters. (2018)

Q33. Implementation of information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects

/ Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors,
and suggest measures for their effective implementation. (2019)

Q34. “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated
e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)

Q35. e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness,

transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the
enhancement of these features? (2023)
 50 GS Mains Paper-II

SOCIAL SECTOR

Q36. The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it
internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational
institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the
country? Discuss. (2015)

Q37. Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you
think that private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives
would you suggest? (2015)

Q38. Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary
education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their
status and performance? (2016)

Q39. “To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and
hygiene needs the identification of the beneficiary segments is to be synchronized
with the anticipated outcomes.” Examine the statement in the context of the WASH
scheme. (2017)

Q40. Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest
indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and
inclusive development elusive. (2019)

Q41. 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. (2020)

Q42. 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. (2020)

Q43. “Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a
necessary pre-condition for sustainable development”. Analyze. (2021)

Q44. 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. (2022)

Q45. The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid
to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this
adequacy. (2023)

Q46. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful
participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (2023)
 Governance 51

POVERTY/HUNGER

Q47. 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. (2015)

Q48. Hunger and poverty are the bigger 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. (2017)

Q49. “Poverty alleviation programmes in India remain more showpieces until and unless
they are backed up by political will.” Discuss with reference to the performance of
the major poverty alleviation programmes in India.
(2017)

Q50. 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? (2018)

Q51. 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.
(2019)

Q52. “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. (2020)

Q53. “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. (2020)

Q54. Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and
unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society.
Discuss. (2022)

CIVIL SERVICE

Q55. “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-
economic development in India.” Comment. (2016)
Q56. Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and
effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with
the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment. (2017)
 52 GS Mains Paper-II

Q57. Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance. In this context

suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (2020)

REGULATORY BODIES

Q58. “For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory
institutions remain independent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of experiences
in recent past. (2015)

Q59. The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances
and complaints by or against central government employees nowadays is exercising
its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. (2019)

WELFARE SCHEMES

Q60. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the
status of its implementation. (2016)

Q61. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for
empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss.
(2017)

Q62. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems
that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your
answer. (2017)

Q63. Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the
implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious
minority institutions? Examine. (2018)

Q64. Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads
to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to
merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your
case. (2018)

Q65. ‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning
is expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation
blockages.’-Discuss. (2019)

Q66. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not
so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of
policy process - Discuss. (2019)

Q67. “Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education
and skill training meaningful”. Comment. (2021)
 Governance 53

Q68. “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social
attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal”. Apart from
women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help
change this milieu? (2021)

Q69. Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its
transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. (2022)

Q70. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document
without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding
disability. Comment. (2022)

Q71. “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are
discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (2023)


 54 GS Mains Paper-II

INTERNATIONAL RELATION

TREND ANALYSIS
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:

XX The prerequisite for preparing the international relations or India’s foreign policy of GS
Paper-II is that one must have an eye on what’s happening across the globe and how the
countries are dealing with emerging or existing situations with other countries or multilateral
institutions.
XX Before getting started with your study, you must pick up the previous year’s question papers.
This will help you gain insight into the quality and nature of the questions asked

Sticking to the syllabus will give you an idea of how to form the outline of the topics. Let’s delve
into the One must be thorough with the syllabus and treat it as a guiding principle.

XX India and its Neighbourhood- Relations.

XX Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting
India’s interests.
XX Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests,
Indian Diaspora.
XX Important International institutions, agencies and fora - their Structure, Mandate.
XX The dynamic nature of the paper makes, if not completely but to some extent less relevant
because the standard books cover only a few aspects of India’s foreign policy.
XX So, the possible solution could be the books on India’s foreign policy which are published
recently and of course, there is no replacement for staying updated with the contemporary
developments through columns related to foreign policies and India’s Relations with other
nations.
XX Ministry of external affairs website can be referred to get an edge over the fellow aspirants.
If time allows then do watch some good debates related to India’s foreign policy.
XX Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses website, they analyse IR with some really good
articles.
 INTERNATIONAL rELATION 55

XX Topics like: Trade War: US-China Conflict; Korean Conflict-South Korea, North Korea, USA,
and China; the South China Sea, Intelligence Agencies of Different Countries; European
Refugee Crisis; Sustainable Development Goals; and Paris Agreement; China’s debt trap
Policy; Russia-Ukraine crisis and how the sequence of events is affecting relationships with
their European counterparts.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Year India and its Bilateral International and regional

neighbourhood Relations Organization and Global
relations issues

2015 2 1 1

2016 0 0 4

2017 1 2 1

2018 0 2 2

2019 0 2 2

2020 0 2 2

2021 0 1 3

2022 1 1 3

2023 0 0 4

Total 4 11 22

TREND ANALYSIS:

XX The International relations section of paper II is a mix of both static and dynamic topics,
questions are generally asked based on current affairs. Hence, it is crucial to keep updated
about the latest international events and developments, and also how they can affect India
and its relations with other countries.
XX An aspirant must prepare some short notes about each of the neighbouring countries to
tackle any question that may be asked in future.
XX There is a need to focus on countries with whom India shares very strong relations,
primarily the bilateral relations with countries, including Australia, Japan, France and UAE
apart from other middle powers.
XX Not all organisations are important, so an aspirant must first identify what to read and
what not to read. You must pay attention to India’s contribution to various organizations
including the United Nations, ASEAN, G20, GCC, EU, World Bank, IMF, etc.
 56 GS Mains Paper-II

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD RELATION

Q1. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian Government
to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic
dimension? Discuss. (2015)

Q2. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India – Pakistan relations. To
what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help
generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.
(2015)

Q3. “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop
potential military power status in Asia.” In the light of this statement, discuss its
impact on India as her neighbour. (2017)

Q4. India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri
Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (2022)

BILATERAL RELATIONS

Q5. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically examine.
(2015)

Q6. Indian diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy
and society. Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.
(2017)

Q7. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of
India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian
countries. (2017)

Q8. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which
cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)

Q9. A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a
zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining
the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (2018)

Q10. What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that
Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which
 INTERNATIONAL rELATION 57

would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable
examples. (2019)

Q11. ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship,
one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for
Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. (2019)

Q12. What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals?
Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (2020)

Q13. ‘Indian Diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America
and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (2020)

Q14. “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. (2021)

Q15. Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France
are elected. (2022)

INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

AND GLOBAL ISSUES

Q16. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN
Security Council. (2015)

Q17. “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international
trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed
due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in
the Indian perspective. (2016)

Q18. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What
is India’s position on these? (2016)

Q19. “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the
internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future
of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable.
(2016)

Q20. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the
context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)

Q21. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (2017)

Q22. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of
‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (2018)
 58 GS Mains Paper-II

Q23. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national
interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (2018)

Q24. ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the
statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as
being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (2019)

Q25. “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalized
Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global
order” Elaborate. (2019)

Q26. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the
COVID-19 pandemic. (2020)

Q27. ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc
from a military alliance, in present times. Discuss. (2020)

Q28. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for
India? (2021)

Q29. 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 strenght and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (2021)

Q30. “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, which is much more
challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union”. Explain. (2021)

Q31. 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? (2022)

Q32. How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in
global politics? (2022)

Q33. ‘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. (2022)

Q34. ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above
statement point out the role of India in mitigating problems. (2023)

Q35. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and
political benefits for India. (2023)

Q36. ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic
partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give
reasons and examples to support your answer. (2023)

Q37. ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above
statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting
environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (2023)
GS MAINS PAPER-III 59

GS
PAPER-III
 60 GS Mains Paper-Iii

INDIAN ECONOMY

TREND ANALYSIS
Every year on average 7-9 questions have been asked by UPSC in the Economy section. For the
sake of analyzing the trend, the syllabus has been divided into 7 headings. Here we shall be looking
at the questions (topic-wise) and the trends that have been followed. The broad topics under the
Economy section of the GS-Paper III are:

XX Indian Economy and related issues

XX Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
XX Government Budgeting
XX Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country
XX Irrigation
XX Agriculture
XX Industry, Infrastructure, and Economic reforms
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR THE ECONOMY:

After analyzing the previous year’s papers for GS-III, Economy section; it is evident that agriculture
is one of the most sought-after sections when it comes to UPSC mains examination, given the
sectional distribution of the number of questions asked during 2015-2023. Let’s delve into the
topic briefly.

XX Agriculture : In this section, it is pertinent that note-making must be incorporated while

studying the topics falling under the agriculture section. To name a few, for example,
components of subsidies provide in agriculture and debate around minimum support price,
much talked about recently withdrawn farm laws, etc. we are supposed to write a summary
of all that you read on these topics in a systematic manner. It will help you in having a pool
of relevant information that could supplement your answers when you practice answer-
writing.
 INDIAN ECONOMY 61

XX Irrigation : Though there are less no of question from this topic however, to cover the
wholistic preparation, candidate needs to cover micro listing of the topics like sources of
irrigation, types of irrigation, modes of irrigation, development with respect to irrigation,
problems and challenges associated with irrigation, potential environmental impact of
irrigation development, alternative to mitigate the negative impact of irrigation project,
growing gaps in irrigation potential and irrigation schemes in India.
XX Budgeting and issues related to its inclusive growth: It is another high-frequency area
that has shown consistency in the trend analysis and must be dealt with diligently. The
government is trying to reach different segments of the economy like health, education,
financial inclusion, digital banking, payments, etc. intention of the government is to bring
service delivery to a single platform. All of which require budgetary allocation, scrutinizing
the balance sheets, and coming up with efficient ways of implementing schemes. All of it
makes this section extremely important.
XX Inclusive growth and issues arising from it : Topic asked in this section are from the
theme like salient features of inclusive growth, need for inclusive growth in India, elements
of inclusive growth, inclusive growth and 12th five-year plan, Niti Ayog strategy for inclusive
growth, challenges in achieving inclusive growth, schemes related to inclusive growth and
world economic forum on social inclusion and inclusive growth. Candidates need to prepare
these topics thoroughly.
XX Major crops & cropping patterns in various parts of the country: The questions from this
section are related to crops sown in India and their cropping patterns that are of importance
from the export point of view and issues like the decline in production. The changing dietary
habits have offered immense potential for the cultivation of millets, herbs, saffron, exotic
varieties of mushrooms, and many exotic fruits and vegetables like avocados, dragon fruit,
cherry tomato, and Pak-Choy having immense export value, which widens the scope of
studies.
XX Industry, Infrastructure, and Economic reforms: Irrespective of how many questions are
asked it remains a promising section of the economy section. The pace at which economic
reforms are being brought to the economy while a lot many are in the pipeline provides
additional weightage to this section. For Example, numerous infrastructural projects and
industrial reforms, river linking projects, production linked incentive schemes (PLI) to
support industries, reforms in mining sectors, renewable-energy sectors, special focus on
the manufacturing sector, and lastly the construction sector. These are primarily those areas
from this section that we cannot afford to lose.
XX Indian Economy and related issues: Last but not the least, it can be said with certainty that
this section has horizons if not limitless but vast ones. And that’s why everything that we
have not included so far, makes into the list of topics that we are expected to prepare for
the main examination. It can be bilateral trade issues, duties, levies, unemployment issues,
inequalities in wealth distribution, inflation, the decline in the growth rate of the economy, etc.
 62 GS Mains Paper-Iii

ECONOMY: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Inclusive Major crops

Industry,
Indian growth & cropping
Government Infrastructure,
Year Economy and and issues patterns in Irrigation Agriculture
Budgeting and Economic
related issues arising from various parts
reforms
it of the country

2015 3 0 0 0 0 5 2

2016 2 2 1 1 1 2 1

2017 2 1 1 1 0 3 2

2018 1 0 1 1 0 3 3

2019 1 1 2 1 0 3 0

2020 2 1 0 0 0 3 1

2021 2 1 1 1 1 2 0

2022 0 3 0 0 0 3 3

2023 4 0 0 1 0 3 0

Total 17 9 6 6 2 27 12
TREND ANALYSIS:

XX UPSC is known for not following a specific trend in its papers and that analogy is applicable
here too. So, the prerequisite is to first complete the syllabus holistically and then keep
on updating the notes with contemporary developments using trustworthy resources like
PIB, National Newspapers, and watching or listening to the relevant discussions or their
summaries available online.
XX Kurukshetra and Yojana magazine can be referred to for getting relevant information, that
might provide us an edge over the rest. Another official document that is indispensable is
“the annual financial document’ which is traditionally known to us as the “main budget
document’. An economic survey is another indispensable piece of document of has immense
relevance for the examination.
XX We can also use the Lok Sabha questions to find out the recent debate in the parliament
around any topic.
XX As we can see from the above table that agriculture is a fairly important topic under GS
paper 3. It’s relevance can be understood from the diversity of questions been asked from
it. Various aspects of agriculture have to be studied keeping in mind the static portion and
current affairs from newspapers and magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra. Apart from
these other important areas can also be gauged from the given table.
XX No section can be compleltely ignored as questions appear from each section intermittently.
A student has to make it a habit to critically analyse and evaluate each topic covering the
scope, challenges, limitations and also solutions.
 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

INDIAN ECONOMY AND RELATED ISSUES

Q1. The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as jobless
growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer.
(2015)

Q2. Craze for gold in Indians has led to a surge in import of gold in recent years and
put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this,
examine the merits of Gold Monetization Scheme. (2015)

Q3. There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of
industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognising this potential, the
whole instrumentality of SEZs require augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the
success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration. (2015)

Q4. Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is
gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for
increasing actual FDIs in India. (2016)

Q5. What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance for urban development in India.
Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the
light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (2016)

Q6. Among several factors for India’s potential growth, saving rate is the most effective
one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential?
(2017)

Q7. Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-
intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-
intensive exports. (2017)

Q8. How are the principles followed by NITI Aayog different from those followed by the
erstwhile planning commission in India? (2018)

Q9. Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the
Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments? (2019)

Q10. Define potential GDP and its determinants. What are the factors that have been
inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (2020)

Q11. 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? (2020)
 64 GS Mains Paper-Iii

Q12. Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (2021)

Q13. Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V- shaped recovery?
Give reasons in support of your answer. (2021)

Q14. Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in
GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in
this regard. (2023)

Q15. What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems
faced in this regard and suggest improvements. (2023)

Q16. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology
adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.
(2023)

Q17. Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care
economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?
(2023)

INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND ISSUES ARISING FROM IT

Q18. Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the
institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer
section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion. (2016)

Q19. Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless
manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these
challenges. (2016)

Q20. What are the salient features of ‘Inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing
such a growth process? Analyse and suggest measures for inclusive growth? (2017)

Q21. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives
of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. (2019)

Q22. Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the

perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. (2020)

Q23. “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic
growth”. Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (2021)

Q24. 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? (2022)

Q25. “Economic growth in the recent past has been led by an increase in labour productivity.”
Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more
jobs without compromising labour productivity. (2022)
 INDIAN ECONOMY 65

Q26. Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial
inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. (2022)

GOVERNMENT BUDGETING

Q27. Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements
and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (2016)

Q28. One of the intended objectives of the Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energise
and clean India’. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the
objective. (2017)
Q29. Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long term Capital
Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for
2018-2019. (2018)
Q30. Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services
tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced
in India since July 2017? (2019)
Q31. The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in
context of budget making during the post liberalization period. Clarify it. (2019)
Q32. Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of
both these Budgets. (2021)

MAJOR CROPS-CROPPING PATTERNS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF

THE COUNTRY

Q33. What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated
agriculture. (2016)
Q34. What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system?
How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crops in the system?
(2017)
Q35. How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns
in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.
(2018)
Q36. How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural
production? (2019)
Q37. What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging
technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (2021)
Q38. Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in
consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (2023)
 66 GS Mains Paper-Iii

Q39.

IRRIGATION

Q40. What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the
water-use efficiency. (2016)
Q41. How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis?
(2021)

AGRICULTURE

Q42. How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity
and income? What steps has the Government taken in this regard? (2015)

Q43. In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss. (2015)

Q44. Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income
in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.
(2015)

Q45. What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing
the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these
bottlenecks? (2015)

Q46. In view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made
agriculture non – viable for a majority of farmers, should contract farming and land
leasing be promoted in agriculture? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. (2015)

Q47. Discuss the role of land reforms in agriculture development. Identify the factors that
were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. (2016)

Q48. Give the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for
crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
Yojana (PMGBY). (2016)

Q49. How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of
farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food
processing for small and marginal farmers? (2017)

Q50. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in agriculture after independence in
India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in
India? (2017)

Q51. What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost-effective small processing unit?
How the food processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of
poor farmers? (2017)
 INDIAN ECONOMY 67

Q52. Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production,
productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing
the income of farmers? (2018)

Q53. Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables
and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries? (2018)

Q54. What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers
from the low income trap? (2018)

Q55. What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain
distribution system more effective? (2019)

Q56. Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural

production from water-stressed areas. (2019

Q57. Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the
food processing sector. (2019)

Q58. What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country?
How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food
processing? (2020)

Q59. What are the main constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural produce
in India? (2020)

Q60. 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? (2020)

Q61. 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? (2021)

Q62. How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic
conditions of marginal and small farmers? (2021)

Q63. What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can
it be made effective and transparent? (2022)

Q64. What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of
Agricultural products in India? (2022)

Q65. What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal Farmers
in India? (2022)

Q66. How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural
produce? Explain it. (2023)

Q67. State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling
policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic
criteria. (2023)
 68 GS Mains Paper-Iii

Q68. What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss
the issues raised by the World Trade Organization(WTP) in relation to agricultural
subsidies. (2023)

INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE & ECONOMIC REFORMS

Q69. “Success of ‘Make in India’ programme depends on the success of ‘Skill India’
programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. (2015)

Q70. To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar
energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power
producers and related industry? (2015)

Q71. How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the
Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the
country? (2016)

Q72. Examine the development of airports in India through joint ventures under Public-
Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in
this regard? (2017)

Q73. “Industrial growth rate has lagged-behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-
Product (GDP) in the post-reform period.” Give reasons. How far the recent changes
in Industrial-Policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (2017)

Q74. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to
achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in
India in this regard. (2018)

Q75. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy
programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)

Q76. How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in
world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (2018)

Q77. 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. (2020)

Q78. Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine
the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (2022)

Q79. Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India.
(2022)

Q80. 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 fuel to renewables
help achieve the above objective? Explain. (2022)
 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 69

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

TREND ANALYSIS
Trend Analysis helps in finding out what kind of questions are being asked by UPSC on this topic
and also based on those questions, how we should prepare for this subject. The broad topics
under the Science and Technology portion of the Mains paper are:
XX Developments in the field of Science and Technology and their applications
XX Achievements of Indians in the field of Science and Technology
XX Indigenization of technology
XX Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology
XX Issues related to intellectual property rights
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
XX The topics that are being asked in the examination from science and technology are
intended to test the understanding of the key concepts and the ability to apply the same
while answering the question.
XX The analysis of previous year’s papers suggests that UPSC is more inclined toward testing
the core concepts, and awareness of candidates about happenings in the surroundings and
globally. It includes the applications of scientific developments in every day.
XX Working of technology to its potential applications in various sectors and how it is helping
in improving and making the existing processes more economical, and environmentally
friendly without compromising on productivity.
XX Current affairs play an important role as the areas from where the questions are usually
being asked from has inputs from the recent developments in Science and Technology. For
example, contemporary topics like Dark Matter, dark energy, subatomic particles, space
exploration, gravitational waves, Artificial Intelligence, Rare Earth Elements, and Defence
Technologies remain in the news given the potential they hold in times to come. A few of the
relevant topics are as follows:
XX Nanotechnology: Approaches to Nano Tech; Applications of Nanotechnology
XX Space Technology: Space Research, Types of Orbits, Geostationary v/s Geosynchronous,
Types of Satellites, Challenges in building a Cryogenic engine, Astronomical Observatories
and Space Exploration Missions, propellants, etc.
XX Information Technology: Important terms in IT; Cyber Warfare; cryptocurrencies, Quantum
Computing, Quantum key distribution (QKD), Blockchain, 5G technology, Metaverse,
Robotics, Virtual Reality.
 70 GS Mains Paper-Iii

XX Biotechnology: Genomics and Genetically Modified Organisms GM Crops, Stem Cells, Genetic
Pollution, Gene Therapy, stem cells, CRISPER technology, vaccines, Genome Sequencing,
etc.
XX Nuclear Technology: Nuclear Reactors (Functioning and Hazards), Away-From-Reactor
facility safe facility, disposal of nuclear waste, Fusion Reactors.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Science &
Achievements Indigenization Awareness in
Technology- Issues
of Indians in the & Developming the field of
Year Developments related to
field of Science New Science and
and IPR
and Technology technology Technology
Applications
2015 0 1 0 2 1

2016 0 1 1 1 0

2017 0 2 0 0 0

2018 0 3 0 0 0

2019 0 2 0 1 1

2020 2 0 1 2 0

2021 0 0 0 3 0

2022 1 1 0 0 0

2023 1 1 0 0 0

Total 4 11 2 9 2

TREND ANALYSIS:

XX Preparation for science and technology would need a two-pronged strategy.

"" Knowing the basics of science
"" The current affairs of science and technology
XX Most of the topics from Science and Technology are having a current affair tilt with
traditional knowledge of the subject. Topics that are repeated continuously include space,
biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Special focus needs to be maintained on these topics.
XX The nature of questions is applied rather than direct. Most of the questions ask about the
application of various technologies of importance.
XX Conceptual clarity in all important mains Science & Technology topics is essential. Studying
the static portion is equally important as it forms the base of the answer and then applying
the current affair knowledge to answer the question asked by UPSC will fetch you marks.
 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 71

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY- DEVELOPMENTS

AND APPLICATIONS

Q1. How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in
agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies? (2020)

Q2. Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical
conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and severe burns.
Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other
treatments? (2020)

Q3. Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in news
since then. What are its unique features which makes 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? (2022)

Q4. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical
diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in
the healthcare? (2023)

ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDIANS IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY

Q5. What do you understand by “Standard Positioning System” and “Precision Positioning
System” in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious
IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. (2015)

Q6. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the
application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
(2016)

Q7. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the
Chadrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space
missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in
terms of technology and logistics? (2017)

Q8. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in
India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? (2017)
 72 GS Mains Paper-Iii

Q9. Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has
this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? (2018)

Q10. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy
programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)

Q11. Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and
show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. (2018)

Q12. How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr.
M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science
respectively? (2019)

Q13. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space
programme? (2019)

Q14. What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work?
What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce
COVID Vaccines? (2022)

Q15. What is the main task of India’s third mood mission which could not be achieved
in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the
subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch
Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the
successful launch from Sriharikota. (2023)

INDIGENIZATION & DEVELOPMING NEW TECHNOLOGY

Q16. Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the
salient features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and
the scope of its application in the development process of the country. (2016)

Q17. 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. (2020)

AWARENESS IN THE FIELDS OF TECHNOLOGY

Q18. Discuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis
in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses. (2015)

Q19. What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots?
Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for
substantive and gainful innovation. (2015)
 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 73

Q20. Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to
renewable energy source in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National
Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (2016)

Q21. How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (2019)

Q22. What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?
(2020)

Q23. 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? (2020)

Q24. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology?
How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (2021)

Q25. How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently
available in the world? (2021)

Q26. 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? (2021)

ISSUES RELATED TO IPR

Q27. India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing
formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a
powerful weapon in country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and
cons of making this database publicly available under open-source licensing. (2015)

Q28. How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from
patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (2019)

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 74 GS Mains Paper-Iii

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

TREND ANALYSIS
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

XX Environment & Ecology is one of the important pillars of civil services main examination and
has a significant weightage in the overall marks. Questions have been asked frequently from
this section in both UPSC Prelims and Mains.
XX If one goes through the UPSC previous year’s question papers, one can see the nature of
questions is changing. While the emphasis on basic concepts and static parts is still there,
the dynamic aspects are getting more weightage.
XX Environment and ecology cannot be studied in a watertight compartment and it often
requires an interdisciplinary approach to answer the questions satisfactorily. Although the
nature of the subject is dynamic and unpredictable, that is not indicative of skipping upon
the core concepts of the subject.
XX Questions from Environment cover areas of basic understanding as well as hot topics of
current importance like Global warming, Urban Heat Islands, Endangered species, Genetic
pollution, recent climate summits, etc.
XX So, it becomes crucial that one should be mindful enough while picking issues from
newspapers and then relating the same to the static portion. Focus areas in Environment
& Ecology for UPSC mains examination are: Environmental Ecology; Biodiversity; Climate
Change; Institutions; Acts/Laws/Policies related to Environment.
A FEW OF THE RELEVANT TOPICS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

XX General issues on Environmental Ecology– ecological terms like Ecotone, Ecological niche
ecosystem, effects of environmental deterioration, and how it affects a human being. Food
chain in the ecosystem.
XX Pollution: Categories; Causes; Types of Particulates; International Conventions
XX Bio-diversity (which also overlaps with topics from Geography): Endemic Species and
their regions; Conservation of Biodiversity; Constitutional Provisions; Statutory Acts/Bodies;
International Conferences/Protocols; Genetic Diversity; Species Diversity; Ecosystem
Diversity; Value of Biodiversity; Endemic and Exotic species
 Environment & Ecology 75

XX Conservation- Conservation of natural resources, National Parks, Wildlife conservations,

Wetlands, Biosphere Reserves, etc. internationally recognized Wetlands and Biosphere
Reserves of India.
XX Environmental degradation: Eutrophication; Habitat destruction; Invasive species
XX Waste Management: Electronic waste; Marine debris; Medical waste; Landfill; Environmental
impact of the coal industry; Incineration
XX Sustainable Development– renewable energy, Biotechnology (bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides),
Biomass gasification.
XX Ecologically sensitive areas – Western Ghats, Himalayas.
XX Toxins: Chlorofluorocarbons; DDT; Endocrine disruptors; Dioxin; Toxic heavy metals;
Pesticides; Toxic waste; Bioaccumulation; Biomagnification; Environmental impact of
hydraulic fracturing
XX Climate Change: Implications for India; Response to Climate Change; National Action Plan
on Climate Change
XX Nuclear issues: Nuclear fallout; Nuclear meltdown; Nuclear power; Nuclear weapons;
Nuclear and radiation accidents; Nuclear safety; High-level radioactive waste management
XX Laws, Regulatory Bodies, and Policies at the national and international level:
Environment Protection Act, Forest Right Act, National Biodiversity Authority, Protocols and
Summits like Cartagena Protocol, Nagoya Protocol, and Lima Conference, etc.

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Year Environment Environmental Pollution and Environment impact

Conservation land degradation assessment

2015 1 0 0

2016 0 0 1

2017 0 1 1

2018 4 1 0

2019 1 1 0

2020 2 1 1

2021 1 2 0

2022 2 2 0

2023 4 1 0

Total 15 9 3
 76 GS Mains Paper-Iii

Looking at the trend of these topics, we can see that questions have a current orientation in
recent exams.

TREND ANALYSIS:

XX The questions are a great mix of current topics and static portion.
XX It is more important to cover all aspects of the subject.
XX Firstly, an aspirant needs to be thorough with the 6 broad topics mentioned above.
XX Secondly, these topics must be supplemented with important facts and figures.
XX If we divide the question asked into topics, we see topics like pollution, Climate change,
Biodiversity and conservation, environmental ecology, and EIA. Questions related to
environmental governance will be linked with these topics.
XX UPSC very nicely balances the Environment portion in its static and current syllabus. So, an
aspirant also needs to keep the balance of these two portions while preparing. Equal time
needs to be devoted to both static syllabus and current affairs.
XX In this online age, no preparation is complete without using online resources. Use online
resources like the IUCN website, the Website of the Ministry of Environment and Forests,
etc. extensively; websites of national and international organizations related to ecology and
biodiversity.


 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION

Q1. Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes
and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can
help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs? (2015)
Q2. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to
achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in
India in this regard. (2018)
Q3. How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful
in conservation of flora and fauna? (2018)
Q4. Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical
benefits of Organic State? (2018)
Q5. What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland
conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (2018)
Q6. Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment.
Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable
development of a region. (2019)
Q7. Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its
judicious use under depleting scenario. (2020)
Q8. What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government
of India for water conservation and water security? (2020)
Q9. Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of
the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When this
idea was first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (2021)
Q10. Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian
subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (2022)

Q11. 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? (2022)

Q12. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric
vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they
offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (2023)
 78 GS Mains Paper-Iii

Q13. Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the

Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance
included in the Ramsar Sites. (2023)

Q14. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea
level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the
other countries in the Indian Ocean region? (2023)

Q15. Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel
shortage. (2023)

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND DEGRADATION

Q16. ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change?
How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?
(2017)

Q17. What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes
which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes
that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018)

Q18. Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to
our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indians coasts, citing
specific examples. (2019)

Q19. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by
the Government of India? (2020)

Q20. 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? (2021)

Q21. 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? (2021)

Q22. Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and
mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (2022)
Q23. 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. (2022)
 Environment & Ecology 79

Q24. What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is
oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? (2023)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Q25. Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts

which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the
measures suggest for mitigation of this impact while proposing major development
projects. (2016)

Q26. Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the
country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the
environment. (2017)

Q27. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ
from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (2020)


 80 GS Mains Paper-Iii

INTERNAL SECURITY

TREND ANALYSIS
AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHILE PREPARING FOR INTERNAL SECURITY:

The prerequisite for preparing internal security which constitutes part of GS-3 is that one must
keep a track of what’s going on in the enclosed borders of India and the ways in which India is
dealing with the disturbances.

Please note that the disturbances and developments in India can be both due to internal factors
(incidents such as extremism) or external factors (lone wolf attack influenced due to or fuelled by
ideologies followed by those outside India).

REASONS WHY INTERNAL SECURITY IS IMPORTANT?

Every year over 4-5 questions are asked from internal security. Moreover most of the concepts
of the subject are highly static, (which means you have material in hand to understand the basic
concepts). The concepts needs to be integrated with contemporary issues which will give you
leverage and will make your answer stand out, helping you earn a good score in GS 3. For example:
if there is a question on cybercrime, we all can state what cybercrime is. But if we integrate the
contemporary issues, the latest data and recent legislations and regulations as per the demand
of the question, it will enrich your answer.

The broad topics under internal security of GS 3 are:

XX Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism.

XX Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
XX 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.
XX Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas - Linkages of Organized Crime
with Terrorism.
XX Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.
 INTERNAL SECURITY 81

INDIAN SECURITY: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Role of
External Security
Linkages Challenges
State & Non- Basics of cyber challenges Linkages of Various Security
between to internal
State actors security, Money and their organized forces & agencies
Year Development & security through
in creating laundering & its management crime with and their
spread communication
challenges prevention in border terrorism mandate
of Extremism networks
to internal areas
security

2015 2 1 0 1 0 0 0

2016 0 0 1 0 1 2 0

2017 2 0 0 1 0 1 0

2018 1 2 0 1 0 0 0

2019 0 1 0 1 1 0 1

2020 1 0 0 1 1 0 1

2021 0 2 0 2 0 0 0

2022 0 0 0 1 1 2 0

2023 0 0 0 0 1 2 1

Total 6 6 1 8 5 7 3
TREND ANALYSIS:
XX The internal security section of GS paper 3 is a mix of both static and dynamic topics;
questions that have been asked are generally from the core static concepts but are related
with the contemporary happenings, which need to be quoted with the core concepts. Hence,
it is crucial to stay updated with all the latest developments in field of internal security and
the ways it impacts the internal structure of the country.
XX The aspirants should prepare short notes on broader aspects of the subject so that they can
revise the concepts last minute without creating a sense of urgency and panicking in the
exam. Every minute topic is a part of the broader aspect/dimension, therefore preparing for
the broader aspects will cover the minute concepts as well.
XX There is a need to focus on aspects such as cyber security, communication networks and
the threats that they pose, cybercrime. All these issues are very much prevalent because
of the rapidly modernizing society and enhanced role of internet. Maximum questions have
been asked from this part.
XX Special attention needs to be provided on the border areas of India as most of our border
countries are in turmoil due to one reason or the other i.e. Sri Lanka is undergoing socio-
political crisis, Pakistan is under severe financial stress, China and India’s relations in the
longest time have been under severe stress.
XX By paying special focus on this part you will be able to join the dots even if the question isn’t
asked in a straight manner. i.e. if a question comes on drugs, one will be able to immediately
figure out that they need to mention golden crescent and golden triangle.
 82 GS Mains Paper-Iii

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

LINKAGES BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT & SPREAD

OF EXTREMISM

Q1. The persisting drives of the Government for development of large industries in
backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers
who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the
corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected
citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth. (2015)

Q2. Human right activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special
Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses
by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically
evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court. (2015)

Q3. The North-East region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time.
Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.
(2017)

Q4. Mob violence in emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving
suitable example, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (2017)

Q5. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many
parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter
the challenges posed by LWE. (2018)

Q6. 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? (2020)

ROLE OF EXTERNAL STATE & NON-STATE ACTORS IN CREATING

CHALLENGES TO INTERNAL SECURITY

Q7. Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the
ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security
of our country? (2015)

Q8. India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has
enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug
 INTERNAL SECURITY 83

trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and
human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same?
(2018)

Q9. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of
China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and
enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (2018)

Q10. The banning of ‘Jammat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the
role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine
the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected
areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs. (2019)

Q11. Analyse the multidimensional 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. (2021)

Q12. 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. (2021)

CHALLENGES TO INTERNAL SECURITY THROUGH

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

Q13. Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a
major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest
effective guidelines to curb the above threat. (2016)

BASICS OF CYBER SECURITY, MONEY LAUNDERING & ITS PREVENTION

Q14. Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital
Armed Forces” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security
Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.
(2015)

Q15. Discuss the potential threats of cyber attack and the security framework to prevent
it. (2017)

Q16. Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to
rising cyber-crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues
related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the
Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? (2018)
 84 GS Mains Paper-Iii

Q17. What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet
crimes in India. (2019)

Q18. Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight
the menace. (2020)

Q19. Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber
attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.
(2021)

Q20. 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. (2021)

Q21. What are the different elements of Cyber security? Considering the challenges in
cyber security, examine the extent to which India has developed a comprehensive
National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)

SECURITY CHALLENGES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN

BORDER AREAS

Q22. Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations
with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border
management. (2016)

Q23. Cross-Border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges
facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges
currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to
counter the challenges. (2019)

Q24. 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. (2020)

Q25. What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organizational,
technical, and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (2022)

Q26. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders
to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security.
Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (2023)

LINKAGES OF ORGANIZED CRIME WITH TERRORISM

Q27. The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with
armed action against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.
(2016)
 INTERNAL SECURITY 85

Q28. “Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyze
the above statements. (2016)

Q29. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do
you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist
funding? (2017)

Q30. Naxalism is a social, economic, and developmental issue manifesting as a violent

internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issue and suggest a
multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (2022)

Q31. Discuss the types of organised crime. Describe the linkages between terrorists and
organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (2022)

Q32. Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism affected areas is an essential step in
restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government
in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir. (2023)

Q33. Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and efforts being made to
curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the ‘
No Money for Terror [NMFT]’ Conference recently held at New Delhi in November
2022. (2023)

VARIOUS SECURITY FORCES & AGENCIES AND THEIR MANDATE

Q34. Indian Government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending
the amending the Unlawful Activities Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and
the NIA act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment
while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights
organizations. (2019)

Q35. Analyze internal security threats and trans-border crimes along Myanmar,
Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the
role played by various security forces in this regard. (2020)

Q36. What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of
Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.
(2023)


 DISASTER MANAGEMENT

TREND ANALYSIS
Trend Analysis helps in finding out what kind of questions are being asked by UPSC on this topic
and also based on those questions, how we should prepare for this subject.

AREAS OF PROMINENCE WHEN PREPARING FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT:

XX The topics that are being asked in the examination are dynamic in nature and gaining
importance because every year India witnesses, natural disasters such as floods, landslides,
tsunamis, earthquakes, cyclones, etc. occur.

XX The recent cyclone Amphan, Gulab, Asani, Fani, etc suggests the importance of planned
management during natural disasters to minimize human loss and ensure the availability of
relief materials, and conduct rescue operation management. It further extends to steps that
can be taken for its prevention and mitigation. This makes Disaster management a potential
area for the examiner to frame questions on the topic.

XX Apart from natural disasters, man-made disasters such as incidences of fires, forest fires,
chemical spills, oil spills, groundwater contamination, etc. are also to be studied. It involves
the displacement of people and economic losses. India is also vulnerable to chemical,
biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies in addition to other man-made
disasters.

XX The changing demographics and socio-economic conditions, unplanned urbanization,

development within high-risk zones, environmental degradation, climate change, geological
hazards, epidemics, and in particular pandemics, a few of which we have witnessed in recent
times are now getting important, so these topics must prepare diligently.

XX The understanding of the structure and functions of present disaster management authorities
in the country – at national, state, and district levels.

XX The prevention and mitigation strategies for manmade disasters like Nuclear Reactor
explosions, Dam collapse, Gas Leakage, Oil Spill, War, Terrorism, Extremism, Communal
Carnage, Cyber Breakdown, etc.
 DISASTER MANAGEMENT 87

DISASTER MANAGEMENT: TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Year Management of Types of Disasters International Cooperation on

Disasters Disaster Management

2015 0 1 0

2016 2 0 0

2017 1 0 0

2018 0 0 1

2019 1 1 0

2020 1 0 0

2021 1 1 0

2022 1 0 0

2023 0 1 0

Total 7 4 1

TREND ANALYSIS:

XX The Disaster management section of Paper III generally comes from the static portion. So,
an aspirant is advised to thorough with India’s disaster profile. What all disasters India faces
and in which particular region - its causes, effects, and preparedness.
XX Aspirants also need to be thorough with institutions/policy framework/legislation associated
with Disaster Management, such as NDMA and its guidelines, Disaster Management Act, DM
policy, SDMA, DDMA, funds, the role of civil society, forces, etc.
XX As there is no single source to prepare for the topic it is advised that the aspirant stick to one
standard textbook for the static part and refer to a good newspaper to keep himself/herself
updated with the dynamic/contemporary developments in the subject to substantiate the
answers.
XX For example, The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has provided relief materials
including blankets, sleeping mats, solar study lamps, etc. for the people of Ukraine during
the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Such developments become important from the exam
point of view and can help the aspirant frame an answer which is balanced and holistic.


 88 GS Mains Paper-Iii

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

MANAGEMENT OF DISASTERS

Q1. With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines,

discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of
cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand. (2016)

Q2. The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years.
Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness
to reduce the risk during such events. (2016)

Q3. On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on fourteen countries including India.
Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of tsunami and its effects on life and
economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010), describe the mechanisms for
preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (2017)

Q4. Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to
people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss
different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters. (2019)

Q5. Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of
India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (2020)

Q6. Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important
components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (2021)

Q7. Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available
coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (2022)

TYPES OF DISASTERS

Q8. The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent.
However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps.
Discuss various aspects. (2015)

Q9. Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain
how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides.
(2019)

Q10. 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. (2021)
 DISASTER MANAGEMENT 89

Q11. Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting
in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give
two examples of large dam failures. (2023)

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Q12. Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before
and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework
different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (2018)

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GS Mains Paper-IV 91

GS
PAPER-IV
 92 GS Mains Paper-Iv

ETHICS

TREND ANALYSIS

Scoring well in ethics is critical for ensuring good rank in Civil services and getting one’s desired
service. If the aspirant follows right strategy, he/she can get very good marks with less efforts.
Analysing the previous year’s UPSC ethics questions is first step towards scoring good marks. This
will help aspirant gain insight into the quality and nature of the questions being asked.

Sticking to the syllabus will give you an idea of how to form the outline of the topics. One must be
thorough with the syllabus and treat it as a guiding principle. We can broadly divide the syllabus
into 7 heads.

XX Ethics and Human Values

XX Moral Thinkers
XX Emotional Intelligence
XX Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Services
XX Attitude
XX Public/civil service values and ethics in public administration
XX Probity in Governance
XX Applied Ethics

Let’s delve into the trend analysis of the previous year’s question being asked by the UPSC

TOPIC-WISE QUESTION DISTRIBUTION

Public/Civil
Ethics Aptitude and
services values
and Moral Emotional Foundational Probity in Applied
Year Attitude and Ethics
Human Thinkers Intelligence Values for Governance Ethics
in Public
Values Civil Services
Administration

2015 1 1 0 0 1 3 2 3

2016 1 3 1 1 2 1 2 0
 ETHICS 93

2017 2 2 1 2 1 3 0 2

2018 1 1 0 2 0 4 2 1

2019 0 1 1 1 0 2 5 1

2020 2 2 1 0 3 1 0 2

2021 2 1 1 2 1 2 0 2

2022 1 3 0 2 0 1 3 4

2023 0 4 2 1 1 1 2 2

Total 10 18 7 11 9 18 16 17

TREND ANALYSIS

XX Some straight forward questions are also being asked directly from the syllabus. However,
most of the questions are applied in nature, where you have to use and modify existing
knowledge as per the demand of the question.
XX In general one moral thinker is being asked every year. Some direct questions are also asked
from this topic like Gandhian seven sin and John Rawls’s Theory of Justice. While other are
quotation based questions. Thus, aspirant must prepare such static portions effectively.
XX Dynamic questions are also being asked in the Ethics paper. UPSC has asked the questions
around contemporary issues like Ukraine war, digital technologies etc. Thus, aspirant must
keep an eye on the contemporary issues from the Ethical point of view.
XX Questions get repeated from the previous year’s questions. For example, quotation of APJ
Abdul Kalam, regarding role of father, mother and teacher, asked in 2017 got repeated in
2022. Thus, aspirant must solve all the question of the previous year.

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 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

ETHICS & HUMAN VALUES

Q1. Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. (2015)

Q2. Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so
as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (2016)

(a) Discuss how they achieve this objective.

(b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.

Q3. The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the
good life. Discuss. (2017)

Q4. Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations,
neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will
function properly. What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration
in the contemporary times. (2017)

Q5. With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount
importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you
think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. (2018)

Q6. The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which
are often in conflict with traditional values. Discuss. (2020)

Q7. “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. (2020)

Q8. “Integrity is a value that empowers the human being.” Justify with suitable
illustration. (2021)

Q9. Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant.
Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (2021)

Q10. It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure the 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? (2022)
 ETHICS 95

MORAL THINKERS

Q11. Given are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring
out what it means to you in the present context: (2015)

(a) “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of strong.”

(b) “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life
is when men are afraid of the light”.

Q12. Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins. (2016)

Q13. Analyse John Rawls’s concept of social justice in the Indian context. (2016)

Q14. “Corruption cause misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency and

obstruction in the path of national development.” Discuss Kautilya’s views. (2016)

Q15. “Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may
perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.”
– Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating examples mention the rulers (2017)

(a) Who have harmed society and country?

(b) Who worked for the development of society and country?

Q16. “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 father, the mother and the teacher.” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse. (2017)

Q17. What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? (2018)

(a) “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject anything, is not whether it
has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things
wholly evil or wholly good. Almost everything, especially of governmental
policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgement of
the preponderance between them is continually demanded.” Abraham Lincoln.

(b) “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.” – Mahatma
Gandhi

(c) “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common
good.” - Tirukkural

Q18. What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (2019)

(a) “An unexamined life is not worth living.” - Socrates

(b) “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” -
M.K.Gandhi
 96 GS Mains Paper-Iv

(c) “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character.
When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When
there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order
in the nation, there is peace in the world.” - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Q19. What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (2020)

(a) “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

(b) “The best way to fi nd yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. -
Mahatma Gandhi.

(c) “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

Q20. What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss. (2020)

Q21. What does each of the following quotations mean to you? (2021)

(a) “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding.
Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.-Swami Vivekananda.

(b) “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace
within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama

(c) 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

Q22. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is
right to do.’-Potter Stewart . (2022)

Q23. “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.” (2022)

Q24. “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” (2022)

Q25. “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads
bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi (2023)

Q26. “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Ones she is on the
move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru
(2023)

Q27. Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long
run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the
circle.” – Swami Vivekanand. (2023)
 ETHICS 97

Q28. What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the
contemporary world. (2023)

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Q29. Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work
life. (2016)

(a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviours.

(b) How can it be managed and controlled?

Q30. How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices? (2017)

Q31. “Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of
against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (2019)

Q32. What are the main components of Emotional Intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned?
Discuss. (2020)

Q33. In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the
same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow?
Critically examine. (2021)

Q34. What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a
definite set of emotional skills – your EQ- not just purely cognitive abilities that are
measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in
support of your answer. (2023)

Q35. Differentiate ‘moral intuition from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples. (2023)

APTITUDE & FOUNDATIONAL VALUES FOR CIVIL SERVICES

Q36. Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundation values in

public services, especially in the present day socio-political context? Illustrate your
answer with examples. (2016)

Q37. One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with
reference to a real life example. (2017)

Q38. Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It
has created only some “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at
the cost of the majority.” Justify. (2017)

Q39. State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and
bring out their importance. (2018)
 98 GS Mains Paper-Iv

Q40. “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and
energy. And if they do not have the first, the other two will kill you.” – Warren Buffett.
What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain.
(2018)

Q41. What do you understand by the term public servant? Reflect on the expected role of
a public servant. (2019)

Q42. Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to

make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations. (2021)

Q43. 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.
(2021)

Q44. 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. (2022)

Q45. Write short notes on the following in 30 words each: (2022)

(a) Constitutional morality

(b) Conflict of interest

(c) Probity in public life

(d) Challenges of digitalization

(e) Devotion to duty

Q46. Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in
the context of ethical decision making? Discuss. (2023)

ATTITUDE

Q47. Two different kinds of attitudes exhibited by public servants towards their work have
been identified as bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude. (a) Distinguish
between these two terms and write their merits and demerits. (b) Is it possible to
balance the two to create a better administration for the faster development of our
country? (2015)

Q48. Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped
unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some
of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the
citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian society. (2016)
 ETHICS 99

(a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in today’s educated Indians.

(b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values
considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and
serving civil servants?

Q49. How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan? (2016)

Q50. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active
politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (2017)

Q51. 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 to a positive
attitude in a person? (2020)

Q52. What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the
contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard. (2020)

Q53. “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. (2020)

Q54. Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of humans.
How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant? (2021)

Q55. In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue
influence’ with suitable examples. (2023)

PUBLIC/CIVIL SERVICE VALUES AND ETHICS IN PUBLIC

ADMINISTRATION

Q56. Public servants are likely to confront with the issues of “Conflict of Interest”. What
do you understand by the term “Conflict of Interest” and how does it manifest in the
decision making by public servants? If faced with the conflict of interest situation,
how would you resolve it? Explain with the help of examples. (2015)

Q57. “A mere compliance with law is not enough, the public servant also has to have a
well-developed sensibility to ethical issues for effective discharge of duties” Do you
agree? Explain with the help of two examples, where (i) an act is ethically right, but
not legally and (ii) an act is legally right, but not ethically. (2015)

Q58. How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service?
Explain with examples. (2015)

Q59. Max Webar said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort of moral
and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important to
realize that the state bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic
morality.” Critically analyse this statement. (2016)
 100 GS Mains Paper-Iv

Q60. Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when (a) official duties, (b) public
interest, and (c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can
this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example. (2017)

Q61. Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may
be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss. (2017)

Q62. Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (2017)

(a) Transparency

(b) Accountability

(c) Fairness and justice

(d) Courage of conviction

(e) Spirit of services

Q63. What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference
between the actual and potential conflict of interest. (2018)

Q64. Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration. (2018)

Q65. In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by
clear implication”. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a
public servant discharging his/ her duties. (2018)

Q66. Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration. (2018)

Q67. What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? How does it manifest in the public domain?
(2019)

Q68. What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three with suitable
examples. (2019)

Q69. Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.
(2020)

Q70. 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. (2021)

Q71. 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. (2021)

Q72. 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. (2022)
 ETHICS 101

Q73. What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency in the
context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (2023)

PROBITY IN GOVERNANCE

Q74. Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial activism,
etc. are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability in
the functioning of the government. However, it is also being observed that at times
the mechanisms are misused. Another negative effect is that the officers are now
afraid to take prompt decisions. Analyse the situation in detail and suggest how the
dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimised.
(2015)

Q75. Today we find that in-spite of various measures of prescribing codes of conduct,
setting up vigilance cells/commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal
mechanism, corrupt practices are not coming under control. (2015)

(a) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications.

(b) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace.

Q76. What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical
governance’? (2016)

Q77. Discuss the Public Service Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms
Commission. (2016)

Q78. What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be
followed by the civil servants in public interest? (2018)

Q79. “The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it
essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss. (2018)

Q80. Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable
examples. (2018)

Q81. What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of

the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government. (2019)

Q82. There is a view that the official secrets act is an obstacle to the implementation of the
Rights to Information act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss. (2019)

Q83. Explain the basic principles of citizens’ charter movement and bring out its
importance. (2019)

Q84. Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically
examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis- utilization of public funds and
their implications. (2019)
 102 GS Mains Paper-Iv

Q85. “Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you agree

with this view? Justify your answer. (2019)

Q86. 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. (2022)

Q87. 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. (2022)

Q88. Write short notes on the following in 30 words each: (2022)

(a) Probity in public life

(b) Challenges of digitalization

Q89. ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio- economic
development.’ Discuss. (2023)

Q90. Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (2023)

APPLIED ETHICS

Q91. What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss any
one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics. (2015)

Q92. At the international level, bilateral relations between most nations are governed
on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the
interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations.
How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific
examples. (2015)

Q93. “Social values are more important than economic values.” Discuss the above
statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation. (2015)

Q94. Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable.
(2017)

Q95. Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations.
Elucidate. (2017)

Q96. Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain

valley bond by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy
should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies. (2018)

Q97. What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold
constitutional morality? (2019)
 ETHICS 103

Q98. 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. (2020)

Q99. 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. (2020)

Q100. Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making
is debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example. (2021)

Q101. “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face
persecution or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to the
ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an
open society. (2021)

Q102. 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. (2022)

Q103. 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? (2022)

Q104. 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 think Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient
enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate work
mandated? Critically examine. (2022)

Q105. 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. (2022)

Q106. “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your
opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? (2023)

Q107. ‘International aid’ is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations.

Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’. Support your answer with
suitable examples. (2023)

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