UPSC Preparation

14. You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in a government department. You are aware that the RTI Act 2005 envisages transparency and accountability in administration. The act has functioned as a check on the supposedly arbitrarily administrative behavior and actions. However, as a PIO you have observed that there are citizens who filed RTI applications not for themselves but on behalf of such stakeholders who purportedly want to have access to information to further their own interests. At the same time, there are these RTI activists who routinely file RTI applications and attempt to extort money from the decision makers. This type of RTI activism has affected the functioning of the administration adversely and also possibly jeopardises the genuineness of the applications which are essentially aimed at getting justice. What measures would you suggest to separate genuine and non-genuine applications? Give merits and demerits of your suggestions. (250 Words) 20M

13. A building permitted for three floors, while being extended illegally to 6 floors by a builder, collapses. As a consequence, a number of innocent laborers including women and children died. These laborers are migrants of different places. The government immediately announced cash relief to the aggrieved families and arrested the builder. Give reasons for such incidents taking place across the country. Suggest measures to prevent their occurrence. (250 Words) 20M

12. You are the manager of a spare parts company A and you have to negotiate a deal with the manager of a large manufacturing company B. The deal is highly competitive and sealing the deal is critical for your company. The deal is being worked out over a dinner. After dinner the manager of manufacturing company B offered to drop you to the hotel in his car. On the way to hotel, he happens to hit motorcycle injuring the motorcyclist badly. You know the manager was driving fast and thus lost control. The law enforcement officer comes to investigate the issue and you are the sole eyewitness to it. Knowing the strict laws pertaining to road accidents you are aware that your honest account of the incident would lead to the prosecution of the manager and as a consequence the deal is likely to be jeopardized, which is of immense importance to your company. What are the dilemmas you face? What will be your response to the situation? (250 Words) 20M

11. You are the head of the Human Resources department of an organisation. One day one of the workers died on duty. His family was demanding compensation. However, the company denied compensation because it was revealed in investigation that he was drunk at the time of the accident. The workers of the company went to strike demanding compensation for the family of the deceased. The Chairman of the management board has asked for your recommendation. What recommendation would you provide the management? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of the recommendations. (250 Words) 20M

10. You are aspiring to become an IAS officer and you have cleared various stages and now you have been selected for the personal interview. On the day of the interview, on the way to the venue you saw an accident where a mother and child who happen to be your relatives were badly injured. They needed immediate help. What would you have done in such a situation? Justify your action. (250 Words) 20M

9. You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following (a) There is a general perception that adhering to ethical conduct one may face difficulties to oneself and cause problems for the family, whereas unfair practices may help to reach the career goals. (b) When the number of people adopting unfair means is large, a small minority having a penchant towards ethical means makes no difference. (c) Sticking to ethical means is detrimental to the larger developmental goals. (d) While one may not involve oneself in large unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gifts makes the system more efficient. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits. (250 Words) 20M

  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. (150 Words, 10)

(a) Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss. (150 Words

(b) 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.

(a) The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss. (150 Words, 10)

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

(b) Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate. (150 Words)  10 M

6. (a) How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices? (150 Words) 10m

5. (a) "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 (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country. (150 Words) 10 M

5. (b) "If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are father, the mother and the teacher."- APJ Abdul Kalam. Analyse. (150 Words)  10 M

4. (a) One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example.  (150 Words) 10 M (b) Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse. (150 Words) 10 M

3. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 Words) 10 M

2. Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (150 Words) 10 M (a) Transparency (b) Accountability (c) Fairness and justice (d) Courage of conviction (e) Spirit of service

1. 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. (150 Words)

20. 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? (250 words) 15M

19. Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyse the causes and consequences of such violence. (250 words)

18. On December 2004, tsumani brought havoc on 14 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. (250 words)   15M

17. '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? (250 words)

16. 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? (250 words) 15M

15. How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, Minimum Support Price (MSP) and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (250 words) 15M

14. What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilise the yield of the crop in the system? (250 words) 15m

13. What are the salient features of inclusive growth? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyse and suggest measures for inclusive growth. (250 words)           15M

12. "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? (250 words)                                                             

11. One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to 'transform, energize and clean India'. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective. (250 words) 

10. The North-Eastern 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. (150 words) 10 M

9. Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. (150 words)                                                                            10M

8. Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. (150 words)                                                                          10M

7. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission (MOM), but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics. Explain critically. (150 words)     10 M

6. Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, thallessemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (150 words)                                                    10 M

4. Explain various types of revolutions, that took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (150 words)                                                                             10 M

3. Examine 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? (150 words) 10M

2. Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports. (150 words)           

1. Among several factors for India's potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (150 words)     10M

20. 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. (250 words)           15 M

19. The question of India's Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India's economic progress. Analyse India's energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (250 words)               

18. 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. (250 words)    15M

17. 'Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will'. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (250 words)                   

16. 'The emergence of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow 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. (250 words)                                                     15M

15. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategise and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)     15M

14. 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? (250 words)          15M

13. 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 reasons thereof. (250 words) 15M

12. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (250 words) 15m

11. 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'? (250 words) 15M

10. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (150 words)                                                                                   

9. '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 neighbor.   (150 words)                                    10 M

8. Hunger 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. (150 words)  10 M

7. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. (150 words)        10 M

6. 'To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronised with the anticipated outcomes'. Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (150 words) 10 M

5. Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. (150 words) 10 M

4. How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? (150 words)  10 M

3. '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. (150 words) 10M

2. 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. (150 words) 10M

1. "The local self government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance". Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (150 words)   10M

14. Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.   (250 words)                      15M

13. Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century. (250 words) 15M

12. Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. (250 words) 15M

42. Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans- (d) 1, 2 and 3 Exp- “The vegetation of hot desert climate is xerophytic type which has special characteristics to withstand very high rate of evaporation. They have long roots, thick barks, waxy leaves, thorns and little leaves.” All are correct. These are all desert adaptation of plants. Plants that have evolved mechanisms to combat drought are known as xerophytes. They are perennial shrubs whose root systems below ground are much more extensive than their visible parts or that have evolved tiny leaves with a waxy coating to combat transpiration. And instead of doing away with leaves entirely, the leaves are modified into spines/thorns   that minimise the surface area and so reduce water loss by transpiratio...

41. Consider the following statements: 1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party. 2. In the Lok Sabha, a “Leader of the Opposition” was recognised for the first time in 1969. 3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognized as the Leader of the Opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans:  (b) 2 only Explanation:- 1952 elections The Congress had won 364 out of 489 Lok Sabha seats in the first-ever general election held in India. Its vote share was 45 per cent. The CPI was the second party with just 16 seats. The Swatantra Party was an Indian liberal-conservative political party that existed from 1959 to 1974 Leader of opposition was recognized for the first time in 1969. To become leader of opposition, a political party needs atleast 10% strength of the house. House total 10% seat means Rajya Sa...

40. With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: 1. ‘The National Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development. 2. ‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP. 3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (b) 2 and 3 only Explanation:- Ministry of Commerce has implemented the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) since 2001. The testing is to be carried out in ISO 17025 accredited and preferably APEDA approved laboratories. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic state by implementing organic practices on around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land. Statement 1 is incorrect:  NPOP is operated under guidelines of Ministry o...

39. Consider the following: 1. Birds 2. Dust blowing 3. Rain 4. Wind blowing Which of the above spread plant diseases? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans:  (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation:- Plant diseases can be infectious (transmitted from plant to plant) or noninfectious. Common plant disorders are caused by deficiencies in plant nutrients, by waterlogged or polluted soil, and by polluted air. Too little (or too much) water or improper nutrition can cause plants to grow poorly. Plants can also be stressed by weather that is too hot or too cold, by too little or too much light, and by heavy winds. Pollution from automobiles and industry, and the excessive application of herbicides (for weed control) can also cause noninfectious plant disorders.

38. Consider the following statements: 1. The definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat” is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006. 2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights. 3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans:  (a) 1 and 2 only Explanation:- The Critical Wildlife Habitats have been envisaged in Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.  In a bid to undo historical injustice meted out to primitive tribal communities living in central India, the government of Madhya Pradesh has for the first time recognised the habitat rights of seven villages in Dindori district, mostly inhabited by the Baiga. Gram panchayats decide Habitat Rights for Primitiv...

37. Consider the following items: 1. Cereal grains hulled 2. Chicken eggs cooked 3. Fish processed and canned 4. Newspapers containing advertising material Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only  Only   cereal   grains   hulled   is   taxed   at   0%.   Fish   processed   and   canned   and   newspaper   containing advertising material are taxed at 5%.

36. With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements: 1. Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade. 2. To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans:  (b) 2 only Explanation:- Capital infusion in public sector banks has not steadily increased in   the   last decade. For example capital infusion in FY   2012-2013 was 12500 crores, in FY   2014-15 was 6990 crores while in   FY   2016-17 was 25000 crores. After the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002 (also known as the SARFAESI Act) ,the government capital infusion steadily decreased until NPA problem introduced in 2015.

35. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: 1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only Ans: (a) 1 only Explanation:- PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. Satellites launched by GSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch v...