GENERAL STUDY, UPSC MCQ

UPSC MAINS CIVIL SERVICES IAS EXAM 2023 QUESTION PAPER

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By DR. B.P. SINGH

 UPSC Civil Services  IAS Mains – 2023

Essay Paper

Section A

  1. Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
  2. Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.
  3. Not all who wander are lost.
  4. Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane. Section B
  5. Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines.
  6. Mathematics is the music of reason.
  7. A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
  8. Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES PAPER – 1

Check the exam instructions mentioned on the UPSC CSE GS 1 mains question paper:

  • Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
  • There are 20 questions printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI.
  • All questions are compulsory.
  • The number of marks carried by a question/part is printed against it.
  • Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
  • No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
  • Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
  • Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
  • Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.
  • The content of the answer is more important than its length.
  1. Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  2. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  3. Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  4. Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  5. Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  6. How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  7. Why is the South-West monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  8. Do you think marriage as a sacrament in loosing its value in Modern India?  (Answer in 150 words) 10
  9. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  10. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  11. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (Answer in 250 words) 15
  12. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?(Answer in 250 words) 15
  13. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?(Answer in 250 words) 15
  14.  Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.(Answer in 250 words) 15
  15. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forests regions of India.(Answer in 250 words) 15
  16. Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
  17. From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  18. Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (Answer in 250 words) 15
  19. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (Answer in 250 words) 15
  20. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (Answer in 250 words) 15

UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES PAPER – 2

  • Check the exam instructions mentioned on the UPSC CSE GS 2 mains question paper:
  • Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
  • There are 20 questions printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI.
  • All questions are compulsory.
  • The number of marks carried by a question/part is printed against it.
  • Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
  • No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
  • Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
  • Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
  • Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.
  • The content of the answer is more important than its length.

  1. “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. Comment. 10
  2. Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority(NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. 10
  3. “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment. 10
  4. Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. 10
  5. Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. 10
  6. The  crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this adequacy. 10
  7. Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions. 10
  8. e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features? 10
  9. ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating problems. 10
  10. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. 10
  11. ” The Construction of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society”. Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. 15
  12. Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. 15
  13. Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s. 15
  14. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. 15
  15. Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? 15
  16. Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament? 15
  17. “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. 15
  18. Skill development programs have succeed in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between education, skill and employment. 15
  19. ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. 15
  20. ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. 15

UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES PAPER – 3

Check the exam instructions mentioned on the UPSC CSE GS 3 mains question paper:

Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.

There are 20 questions printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI.

All questions are compulsory.

The number of marks carried by a question/part is printed against it.

Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.

No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.

Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.

Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.

Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

The content of the answer is more important than its length.

  1. Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  2. What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  3. How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  4. State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  5. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in the healthcare? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  6. Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  7. Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  8. What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  9. Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  10. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  11. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  12. Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment? (Answer in 250 words) 15
  13. Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  14. What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization(WTP) in relation to agricultural subsidies. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  15. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (Answer in 250 words) 15
  16. What is the main task of India’s third mood mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  17. Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  18. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? (Answer in 250 words) 15
  19. What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  20. Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the ‘ No Money for Terror [NMFT]’ Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022. (Answer in 250 words) 15

UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES PAPER – 4

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