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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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2017

  1. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksHunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement.
  2. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksThe Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint sessions of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof.
  3. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksIndian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of the Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.
  4. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksInitially, 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
  5. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksThe local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.
  6. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksWhat are the main functions of the United Nations? Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.
  7. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksIs the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face in both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.
  8. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksPoverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere showpieces until and unless they are backed by political will. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India.
  9. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksHow do pressure groups influence the Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years?
  10. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksThe 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.
  11. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksDoes the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure an effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in society? Discuss.
  12. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksDiscuss the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.
  13. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksExplain 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 the common national market for goods and services’?
  14. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marksExamine the scope of Fundamental Rights in light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on the Right to Privacy.
  15. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksSimultaneous 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.
  16. 2017 · GS2 · 10 marksCritically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘The National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.
  17. 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.
  18. 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?
  19. 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?
  20. 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?
  21. 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.
  22. 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?
  23. 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
  24. 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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