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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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2016

  1. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?
  2. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“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 seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss from the Indian perspective.
  3. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“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?
  4. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDid the Government of India Act, of 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.
  5. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?
  6. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are interdependent”. Discuss their relationship in the context of India.
  7. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksDiscuss 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 Indian federal politics?
  8. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksEvaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
  9. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksExercise 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 an audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.
  10. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksTo 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.
  11. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat 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?
  12. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples
  13. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement.
  14. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksHas 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?
  15. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksThe Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes. Discuss.
  16. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksIn the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.
  17. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksExamine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.
  18. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksProfessor 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?
  19. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marksWhat is the quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.
  20. 2016 · GS2 · 12.5 marks“Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment.
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