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UPSC Mains PYQs

1053 questions

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

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2015

  1. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UNSC.
  2. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine.
  3. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksKhap 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 judiciary to set things right in this regard.
  4. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksIn the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability.
  5. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.
  6. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
  7. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksProject ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.
  8. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest?
  9. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe quality of higher education in India requires major improvement 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.
  10. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksExamine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.
  11. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksResorting to ordinances has always raised concern about the violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue has further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?
  12. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDoes the right to a clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard.
  13. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksHow can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to the protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.
  14. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.
  15. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksTerrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India–Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.
  16. 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThough there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate a reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.
  17. 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marksDiscuss the advantage and security implication of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in house machine based hosting for government business.
  18. 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marksWhat are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives that can propel the research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation.
  19. 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marksThere is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool for industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognising this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs requires augmentation. Discuss the issue plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration.
  20. 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marksConsidering 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.
  21. 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marksThe Craze for gold in India has led to a surge in the import of gold in recent years and put pressure on the balance of payments and the external value of the rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of the Gold Monetization scheme.
  22. 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marksHow can the Digital India program help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What step has the government taken in this regard?
  23. 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marksTo what factors can 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 industries?
  24. 2015 · GS3 · 12.5 marksThe 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.
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