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UPSC Mains PYQs

1053 questions

Every General Studies question since 2013, ready to attempt. Model answers arrive week by week.

GS3

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2018

  1. 2018 · GS3 · 15 marksData security has assumed significant importance in the digitised 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 the protection of personal data in cyberspace?
  2. 2018 · GS3 · 15 marksDescribe 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 the ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’?
  3. 2018 · GS3 · 15 marksHow has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in the recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millet production and consumption.
  4. 2018 · GS3 · 15 marksWith growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.
  5. 2018 · GS3 · 10 marksWhat are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes that are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment?
  6. 2018 · GS3 · 10 marksComment 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.
  7. 2018 · GS3 · 15 marksIndia’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same?
  8. 2018 · GS3 · 10 marksLeft-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.
  9. 2018 · GS3 · 10 marksWhat do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap?
  10. 2018 · GS3 · 15 marksWhy is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?
  11. 2018 · GS3 · 15 marksHow are the principles followed by NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile planning commission in India?
  12. 2018 · GS3 · 15 marksHow would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect the macroeconomic stability of India?
  13. 2018 · GS3 · 10 marksExamine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate the number of intermediaries?
  14. 2018 · GS3 · 10 marksSikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economic benefits of an Organic State?
  15. 2018 · GS3 · 10 marksWhat is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.
  16. 2018 · GS3 · 10 marksDiscuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionised the field of Physics.

2017

  1. 2017 · GS3 · 10 marksAccount for the failure of the manufacturing sector to achieve the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.
  2. 2017 · GS3 · 15 marksGive an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of the fast breeder reactor programme in India?
  3. 2017 · GS3 · 10 marksAmong several factors for India’s potential growth, the savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential?
  4. 2017 · GS3 · 15 marksClimate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India be affected by climate change?
  5. 2017 · GS3 · 15 marksIn December 2004, a tsunami brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for the occurrence of the 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.
  6. 2017 · GS3 · 10 marksExamine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard?
  7. 2017 · GS3 · 10 marksIndia has achieved remarkable successs in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically
  8. 2017 · GS3 · 15 marks“Industrial growth rate has lagged in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far are the recent changes in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate?
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