UPSC previous year questions are important for following while preparing for the upcoming UPSC exam. Here is a detailed guide of these question papers along with website links.
UPSC Prelims question paper – 2018
For Paper-I Visit: InsightsOnIndia Or, UPSC Official Site
For Paper-II Visit: UPSC Official Site
UPSC IAS Mains Essay Paper – 2018
Write two essays, choosing one topic each of the following Sections A and B in about 1000-1200 words each :
Section A
1. जलवायु परिवर्तन के प्रति सुनम्य भारत हेतु वैकल्पिक तकनीकें
Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India
2. एक अच्छा जीवन प्रेम से प्रेरित तथा ज्ञान से संचालित होता है।
A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge
3. कहीं पर भी गरीबी, हर जगह की समृद्धि के लिए खतरा है।
Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
4. भारत के सीमा विवादों का प्रबन्धन–एक जटिल कार्य
Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task
Section B
5. रूढिगत नैतिकता आधुनिक जीवन का मार्गदर्शक नहीं हो सकती है।
Customary Morality cannot be a guide to modern life
6. ‘अतीत’ मानवीय चेतना तथा मूल्यों का एक स्थायी आयाम है।
The past is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
7. जो समाज अपने सिद्धान्तों के ऊपर अपने विशेषाधिकारों को महत्त्व देता है, वह दोनों से हाथ धो बैठता है।
A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
8. यथार्थ आदर्श के अनुरूप नहीं होता है, बल्कि उसकी पुष्टि करता है ।
Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it
IAS Main Exam 2018 General Studies Paper I
There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH. All questions are compulsory.
Maximum Marks: 250 Time Allowed : Three Hours
There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
All questions are compulsory.
- 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 (QUA) 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 be blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet mast clearly struck off.
1. भारतीय कला विरासत का संरक्षण वर्तमान समय की आवश्यकता है। चर्चा कीजिये।
Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.
2. भारत के इतिहास की पुनर्रचना में चीनी और अरबी यात्रियों के वृतांन्तों के महत्व का आकलन कीजिये।
Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.
3. वर्तमान समय में महात्मा गाँधी के विचारों के महत्व पर प्रकाश डालिए।
Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.
4. भारतीय प्रादेशिक नौपरिवहन उपग्रह प्रणाली (आई. आर. एन. एस. एस.) की आवशक्यता क्यों है ? यह नौपरिवहन में किस प्रकार सहायक है ?
Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?
5. भारत आर्कटिक प्रदेश के संसाधनों में किस कारण गहन रूचि ले रहा है ?
Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region?
6. ‘मेंटल प्लूम’ को पारिभाषित कीजिये और प्लेट विवर्तनिकी में इसकी भूमिका को स्पष्ट कीजिये।
Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.
7. समुद्री परिस्थितिकी पर ‘मृतक्षेत्रों’ (डैड ज़ोन्स) के विस्तार के क्या – क्या परिणाम होते है ?
What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem?
8. जाती व्यवस्था नई -नई पहचानों और सहचारी रूपों को धारण कर रही है। अतः, भारत में जाती व्यवस्था का उन्मूलन नहीं किया जा सकता है। ” टिपण्णी कीजिये।
“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. ”
9. ‘भारत की सरकार द्वारा निर्धनता उन्मूलन के विभिन्न कार्यक्रमो के क्रियांवयन के बावजूद , निर्धनता अभी भी विद्यमान है।’ कारण प्रस्तुत करते हुऐ स्पष्ट कीजिये।
‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons.
10. धर्मनिरपेक्षतावाद की भारतीय संकल्पना, धर्मनिरपेक्षतावाद के पाश्च्यात माडल से किन किन बातों में भिन्न है? चर्चा कीजिये।
How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.
11. श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु के आगमन से भक्ति आंदोलन को एक असाधारण नई दिशा मिली थी। चर्चा करें।
The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.
12. चर्चा करें कि क्या हाल के समय में नए राज्यों का निर्माण, भारत की अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए लाभप्रद है या नहीं है।
Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.
13. अंग्रेज किसी कारण भारत से करारबद्ध श्रमिक अन्य उपनिवेशो में ले गए थे ? क्या वे वहां पर अपनी सांस्कृतिक पहचान को परिरक्षित रखने में सफल रहे हैं ?
Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?
14. भारत में अवक्षयी ( डिप्लिटिंग ) भौम जल संसाधनों का आदर्श समाधान जल संरक्षण प्रणाली है। शहरी क्षेत्रो में इसको किस प्रकार प्रभावी बनाया जा सकता है?
“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? ”
15. ‘नीली क्रांति ‘ को परिभाषित करते हुए भारत में मत्स्यपालन की समस्याओ और रणनीतियों को समझाइये।
Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.
16. भारत में औद्योगिक गलियारों का क्या महत्व है? औद्योगिक गलियारों को चिन्हित करते हुए उनके प्रमुख अभिलक्षणो को समझाइये।
What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.
17. भारत में ‘महत्वकांक्षी जिलों के कायाकल्प ‘ के लिये मूल रणनीतियों का उल्लेख कीजिए और इसकी सफलता के लिए , अभिसरण, सहयोग व प्रतिस्पर्धा की प्रकृति को स्पष्ट कीजिए।
Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.
18. ‘भारत में महिलाओं के आंदोलन ने , निम्नतर सामाजिक स्तर की महिलाओं के मुद्दों को सम्बोधित नहीं किया है। अपने विचार को प्रमाणित सिद्ध कीजिए।
‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view.
19. ‘आम तौर पर कहा जाता है कि वैश्वीकरण सांस्कृतिक समांगीकरण को बढ़ावा देता है, परन्तु ऐसा प्रतीत होता है की भारतीय समाज में उसके कारण सांस्कृतिक विशिष्टताए सृदढ़ हो गई है। ‘ सुस्पष्ट कीजिये।
‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate.
20. ‘साम्प्रदायिकता या तो शक्ति संघर्ष के कारण उभर कर आती है या तो आपेक्षिक वचन के कारण उभरती है। उपयुक्त उदाहरणों को प्रस्तुत करते हुए तर्क दीजिए।
‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable illustrations.’
UPSC IAS Main Exam 2018 GS Paper II
Duration: 3 hours; Maximum Marks: 250
Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions:
There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH. Each Question carries 12.5 marks.
All the questions too compulsory.
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.
Word limit in questions, wherever specified should be adhered to.
Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.
1. In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? इलेक्ट्रॉनिक वोटिंग मशीनों (ई. वी. एम. ) के इस्तेमाल सबंधी हाल के विवाद के आलोक में, चुनावो की विशवास्यता सुनिशचित करने के लिए भारत के निर्वाचन आयोग के समक्ष क्या – क्या चुनौतियाँ है ?
2. Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSCJ) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. क्या राष्ट्रीय अनुसूचित जाति आयोग (एन. सी. एस. सी. ) धार्मिक अल्पसंख्यक संस्थानों में अनुसूचित जातियों के लिए सवैंधानिक आरक्षण के क्रियान्वयन का प्रवर्तन करा सकता है ? परिक्षण कीजिये।
3. Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? किन परिस्थितियों में भारत के राष्ट्रपति के द्वारा वित्तीय आपातकाल की उद्धगोषणा की जा सकती है ? ऐसी उद्धगोषणा के लागु रहने तक, इसके अनुसरण के क्या-क्या परिणाम होते है ?
4. Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role or the Estimates Committee. आप यह क्यों सोचते है की समितिया संसदीय कार्यो के लिए उपयोगी मानी जाती है ? इस संदर्भ में प्राकलन समिति की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए।
5. “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise. ”नियंत्रक और महालेखापरीक्षक (सी. ए. जी. ) को एक अत्यावश्यक भूमिका निभानी होती है।” व्याख्या कीजिये कि यह किसी प्रकार उसकी नियुक्ति की विधि और साथ ही साथ उन अधिकारों के विस्तार से परिलक्षित होती है, जिनका प्रयोग वह कर सकता है।
6. “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment.” ” Comment with relevant illustration. ” विभिन्न प्रतियोगी क्षेत्रो और साझेदारो के मध्य नीतिगत विरोधाभासो के परिणामस्वरूप पर्यावरण के ‘संरक्षण तथा उसके निम्नकरण की रोकथाम’ अपर्याप्त रही है। ” सुसंगत उदाहरणों सहित टिपण्णी कीजिए।
7. Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All ‘ in India. Explain. भारत में ‘सभी के लिए स्वास्थ्य ‘ को प्राप्त करनेके लिए समुचित स्थानीय सामुदयिक स्तरीय स्वास्थ्य देखभाल का मध्यक्षेप एक पूर्वापेक्षा है। व्याख्या कीजिए।
8. E-Governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information Explain. इ-शासन केवल नवीन प्रोद्योगिक की शक्ति के उपयोग के बारे में नहीं है, अपितु इससे अधिक सूचना के ‘उपयोग मूल्य ‘ के क्रांतिक महत्त्व के बारे में है। स्पष्ट कीजिए।
9. ‘India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. भारत्त के इजराइल के साथ सबंधो ने हल में एक ऐसी गहराई एव विविधता प्राप्त कर ली है, जिसकी पुनर्वापसी नहीं की जा सकती है। ” विवेचना कीजिये।
10. A number or outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone to interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. मध्य एशिया, जो भारत के लिए एक हित क्षेत्र है, में अनेक ब्राह्य शक्तियों ने अपने आप को संस्थापित कर लिया है। इस सन्दर्भ में, भारत द्वारा अश्गाबात करार, २०१८ में शामिल होनेके निहितार्थो पर चर्चा कीजिए।
11. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. क्या उच्चतम न्यालय का निर्णय (जुलाई २०१८) दिल्ली के उप राज्यपाल और निर्वाचित सरकार के बिच राजनैतिक कश्मकश को निपटा सकता है। परिक्षण कीजिए।
12. How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India. आप इस मत से कहा तक सहमत है की अधिकरण सामान्य न्यायालयों की अधिकारिता को कम करते है ? उपयुक्त को दृष्टिगत रखते हुए भारत में अधिकरणों की सांविधानिक वैधता तथा सक्षमता की विवेचना कीजिए।
13. India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenants on which the two political systems are based. भारत एव यू. एस. ए. दो विशाल लोकतंत्र है। उन आधारभूत सिद्धांतो का परिक्षण कीजिए जिन पर ये दो राजनितिक तंत्र आधारित है।
14. How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. भारत के वित्तीय आयोग का गठन किस प्रकार किया जाता है ? हल में गठित वित्तीय आयोग के विचारार्थ विषय (टर्म्स ऑफ़ रेफरेंस ) के बारे में आप क्या जानते है ? विवेचना किजीए।
15. Assess the importance of Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects. भारत में स्थानीय शासन के एक भाग के रूप में पंचायत प्रणाली के महत्त्व का आकलन कीजिये। विकास परियोजना ओ के वित्तीयन के लिए पंचायते सरकारी अनुदानों के आलावा और किन स्रोतों को खोज सकती है ?
16. Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections or the society leads to problems or overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. समाज के कमजोर वर्गों के लिए विभिन्न आयोगों की बहुलता , अतिव्यापी अधिकारिता और प्रकार्यो के दोहरेपन की समस्याओ की ओर ले जाती है। क्या ये अच्छा होगा की सभी आयोगों को एक व्यापक मानव अधिकार आयोग के छत्र में विलय कर दिया जाय ? अपने उत्तर के पक्ष में तर्क दीजिए।
17. How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack or availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? आप इस मत से कहा तक सहमत है की भूख के मुख्य कारण के रूप मे खाध्य की उपलब्ध्ता मे कमी पे फॉक्स, भारत मे अप्रभावी मानव विकास नीतियो से ध्यान हटा देता है.
18. Citizens’ Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and accountability, but. it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness or the Citizens Charter. नागरिक चार्टर संगठनात्मक पारदर्शिता व उत्तरदायीत्व का एक आदर्श उप्क्र्न है, परंतु इसकी अपनी परिसीमाए है। परिसीमाओ की पहचान कीजिए तथा नागरिक चार्टर की अधिक प्रभाविता के लिए उपायो का सुजाव दीजिए।
19. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? यदि ‘व्यापार युद्ध’ के वर्तमान परीद्र्शय मे विश्व व्यापार संगठन को जिंदा बने रहेना है, तो उसके सुधार के कौन-कौन से प्रमुख क्षेत्र है, विशेष रूप से भारत के हित को ध्यान मे रखते हुए?
20. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? इस समय जारी अमरीका-ईरान नाभिकीय समजौता विवाद भारत के राष्ट्रीय हितो को किस प्रकार प्रभावित करेगा? भारत को इस स्थिति के प्रति क्या रवैया अपनाना चाहिए?
UPSC IAS Main Exam 2018 GS Paper III
Duration: 3 hours; Maximum Marks: 250
Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions:
There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH. All the questions too compulsory.
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.
Word limit in questions, wherever specified should be adhered to.
Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.
- Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. “वहनीय, विश्वसनीय, धारणीय तथा आधुनिक ऊर्जा तक पहुच संधारणीय विकास लक्ष्यों (एस. डी. जी.) को प्राप्त करने के लिए अनिवार्य है।” भारत में इस सबंध में हुई प्रगति पर टिप्पणी कीजिए।
2. Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019. केंद्रीय बजेट 2018-2019 में दिर्धकालिक पूँजी अभिलाभ कर (एल. सी. जी. टी.) तथा लाभांश वितरण कर (डी. डी. टी.) के सबंध में प्रारंभ किए गए महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तनों पर टिप्पणी कीजिए।
3. What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap? न्यूनतम समर्थन मूल्य (एम. एस. पी.) से आप क्या अंजते है ? न्यूनतम समर्थन मूल्य कृषको का निम्न आय फंदे से किस प्रकार बचाव करेगा ?
4. Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries? फलो सब्जियों और खाध पदार्थो के आपूर्ति श्रुंखला प्रबंध में सुपरबाजारों की भूमिका की जांच कीजिए । ये बिचौलियों की संख्या को किस प्रकार खत्म कर देते है ?
5. Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. प्रो. सत्येन्द्र नाथ बोस द्र।रा किए गए ‘बोस-आइन्स्टाइन सांख्यकी’ के कार्य पर चर्चा कीजिए और दर्शाइए की इसने किस प्रकार भौतिकी के क्षेत्र में क्रांति ला दी थी।
6. What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? निरंतर उत्त्पपन्न किए जा रहे फेके गए ठोस कचरे की विशाल मात्राओ का निस्तारण करने में क्या क्या बाधाए है ? हम अपने रहने योग्य परिवेश में जमा होते जा रहे जहरीले अपशिष्टों को सुरक्षित रूप से किस प्रकार हटा सकते है ?
7. What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India आन्द्रभूमि क्या है ? आंद्रभूमि संरक्षण के संदर्भ में ‘भूद्धिमत्तापूर्ण उपयोग’ की रामसर संकल्पना को स्पष्ट कीजिए । भारत से रामसर स्थलो के दो उदाहरणो का उद्रण दीजिए।
8. Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State? सिक्किम भारत में प्रथम ‘जैविक राज्य’ है। जैविक राज्य के पारिस्थितिक एव आर्थिक लाभ क्या-क्या होते है ?
9. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. चीन- पाकिस्तान आर्थिक गलियारे (सी. पी. ई. सी.) को चीन की अपेक्षाकृत अधिक विशाल ‘एक पट्टी एक सड़क’ पहल के एक मूलभूत भाग के रूप में देखा जा रहा है। सी. पी. ई. सी. का एक संक्षिप्त वर्णन प्रस्तुत कीजिए और भारत द्वारा उससे किनारा करने के कारण गिनाइए।
10. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. वामपंथी उग्रवाद में अधोमुखी प्रवृती दिखाई दे रही है परंतु अभी भी देश के अनेक भाग इससे प्रभावित है। वामपंथी उग्रवाद द्वारा प्रस्तुत चुनौतियों का विरोध करने के लिए भारत सरकार के दृष्टिकोण को संक्षेप में स्पष्ट कीजिए।
11. How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission in India? भारत में नीति आयोग द्वारा अनुसरण किए जा रहे सिद्धांत इससे पूर्व के योजना आयोग द्वारा अनुसरित सिद्धांतो से किस प्रकार भिन्न है?
12. How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? विश्व व्यापार में संरक्षणवाद और मुद्रा चालबाजियों की हाल की परिघटनाए भारत की समष्टि-आर्थिक स्थिरता को किस प्रकार से प्रभावित करेगी?
13. Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? बागवानी फार्मो के उत्पादन, उसकी उत्पादकता एव आय में वृद्धि करने में राष्ट्रीय बागवानी मिशन एन. एच.एम. की भूमिका का आकलन कीजिए। यह किसानो की आय बढ़ाने में कहा तक सफल हुआ है?
14. How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption. गत वर्षो में कुछ विशेष फसलों पर ज़ोर ने सस्यन पेटर्नो में किस प्रकार परिवर्तन ल दिए है ? मोटे अनाजों (मिलटो) के उत्पादन और उपभोग पर बल को विस्तारपूर्वक स्पष्ट कीजिए।
15. Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? क्या कारण है की हमारे देश में जैव प्रोद्योगिक के क्षेत्र में अत्यधिक सक्रियता है ? इस सक्रियता ने बायोफार्मा के क्षेत्र को कैसे लाभ पहुचाया है?
16. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. ऊर्जा की बढ़ती हुई जरूरतो के परिप्रेक्ष्य में क्या भारत को अपने नाभिकीय ऊर्जा कार्यक्रम का विस्तार करना जारी रखना चाहिए? नाभिकीय ऊर्जा से संबधित तथ्यो एव भयो की विवेचना कीजिए।
17. How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? भारत में जैव विविधता किस प्रकार अलग-अलग पाई जाती है ? वनस्पतिजात और प्राणिजात के संरक्षण में जैव विविधता अधिनियम, 2002 किस प्रकार सहायक है?
18. Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005? भारत में आपदा जोखिम न्यूनीकरण (डी. आर. आर.) के लिए ‘सेडाई आपदा जोखिम न्यूनीकरण प्रारूप (2015-2030)’ हस्ताक्षरित करने से पूर्व एव उसके पशचात किए गए विभिन्न उपायो का वर्णन कीजिए। यह प्रारूप ‘होगों कारवाई प्रारूप 2005’ से किस प्रकार भिन्न है ?
19. Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weakness sof the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? अंकीयकृत (डिजिटाइज्ड) दुनिया में बढ़ते हुए साइबर अपराधो के कारण डाटा सुरक्षा का महत्व बहुत बढ़ गया है । जस्टिस बी. एन. श्रीकृष्णा समिति रिपोर्ट में डाटा की सुरक्षा से संबधित मुद्दो पर सोच-विचार किया गया है । आपके विचार में साइबर स्पेस में निजी डाटा की सुरक्षा से संबधित इस रिपोर्ट की खूबिया और खामिया क्या-क्या है ?
20. India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same? संसार के दो सबसे बड़े अवैध अफ़ीम उगने वाले राज्यो से भारत की निकटता ने भारत की आंतरिक सुरक्षा चिंताओ को बढ़ा दिया है। नशीली दवाओ के अवैध व्यापार एव बंदूक बेचने, गुपचुप धन विदेश भेजने और मानव तस्करी जैसी अवैध गतिविधियो के बीच कड़ियो को स्पष्ट कीजिए। इन गतिविधियो को रोकने के लिए क्या-क्या प्रतिरोधी उपाय किए जाने चाहिए?
UPSC Mains General Studies –IV
Duration: 3hours
Section A
1. (a) State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance. (150 words)
(b) Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable examples.
(150 words)
2. (a) What is mean by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest? (150 words)
(b) “The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss. (150 words)
3. (a) What is mean by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest. (150 words)
(b) “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they do not have the first, the other two will kill you.” – Warren Buffett
What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain. (150 words)
4. (a) “In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication”. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant discharging his/her duties. (150 words)
(b) With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. (150 words)
5. (a) Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bond by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies (150 words)
(b) Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration. (150 words)
6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context?
(a) “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject anything, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost everything, especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgement of the preponderance between them is continually demanded. ”Abraham Lincoln ( 150 words)
(b) “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. “ _ Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)
(c) “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.” _ Tirukkural (150 words)
Section B
7. Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a health care scheme meant for senior citizens.
The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following:
(a) 60 years of age or above.
(b) Belonging to a reserved community.
(c) Family income of less than 1 Lakh rupees per annum.
(d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be high to make a positive difference to the quality of life of the beneficiary.
One day, an old couple visited Rakesh’s office with their application. They have been the residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes obstruction in the large intestine. As a consequence, he has severe abdominal pain frequently that prevents him from doing any physical labour. The couple has no children to support them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of rupees one lakh. The couple fulfils all the criteria except criterion ‘b’. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life.
How should Rakesh respond to the situation? (250 words)
8. As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as road constructions projects before they are notified in the public domain. The Ministry is about to announce a mega road project for which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners to make use of the government land with the minimum land acquisition from private parties. Compensation rate for private parties was also finalized as per government rules. Care was also taken to minimize deforestation. Once the project is announced, it is expected that there will be a huge spurt in real estate prices in and around that area.
Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you realign the road in such a way that it comes closer to his 20 acres farmhouse. He also suggests that he would facilitate the purchase of a big plot of land in your wife name at the prevailing rate which is very nominal, in and around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to convince you by saying that there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally. He even promises to supplement your savings in case you do not have sufficient funds to buy the land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of agricultural lands has to be acquired, thereby causing a considerable financial burden on the government, and also the displacement of the farmers. As if this is not enough, it will involve cutting down of a large number of trees denuding the area of its green cover.
Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what your responsibilities are as a public servant. (250 words)
9. It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many death, reported and unreported, and causes a major problem for the district authorities.
The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrest, police cases, and criminal trials – all these had only limited impact. The problem remains as serious as ever.
Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially and educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities gave boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from the government’s side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people.
Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control? (250 words)
10. A big corporate house is engaged in manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale. It proposes to set upon the additional unit. Many states rejected its proposal due to the detrimental effect on the environment. But one state government acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition.
The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till recently. The pollution caused by the industrial effluents was affecting the land, water and crops in the area. It was also causing serious health problems to human beings and animals. This gave rise to a series of agitation thousands of people took part, creating a law and order problem necessitating stern police action. Following the public outcry, the State government ordered the closure of the factory.
The closure of the factory resulted in the unemployment of not only those workers who were engaged in the factory but also those who were working in the ancillary units. It also very badly affected those industry which depended on the chemicals manufactured by it.
As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling this issues, how are you going to address it? (250 words).
11. Dr X is a leading medical practitioner in a city. He has set up a charitable trust through which he plans to establish a super-speciality hospital in the city to cater to the medical needs of all sections of the society. Incidentally, that part of the State had been neglected over the years. The proposed hospital would be a boon for the region.
You are heading the tax investigation agency of that region. During an inspection of the doctor’s clinic, your officers have found out some major irregularities. A few of them are substantial which had resulted in considerable withholding of tax that should be paid by him now. The doctor is cooperative. He undertakes to pay the tax immediately.
However, there are certain other deficiencies in his tax compliance which are purely technical in nature. If these technical defaults are pursued by the agency, considerable time and energy of the doctor will be diverted to issues which are not so serious, urgent or even helpful to the tax collection process. Further, in all probability, it will hamper the prospects of the hospital coming up.
There are two options before you:
1) Taking a broader view, ensure substantial tax compliance and ignore defaults that are merely technical in nature.
2) Pursue the matter strictly and proceed on all fronts, whether substantial or merely technical.
As the head of the tax agency, which course of action will you opt and why? (250 words)
12. Edward Snowden, a computer expert and former CIA administrator, released confidential Government documents to the press about the existence of Government surveillance programmes. According to many legal experts and the US Government, his action violated the Espionage act of 1971, which identified the leak of State secret as an act of treason. Yet, despite the fact that he broke the law, Snowden argued that he had a moral obligation to act. He gave a justification for his “whistle blowing” by stating that he had a duty “to inform the public as to that which is done in there name and that which is done against them.”
According to Snowden, the Government’s violation of privacy had to be exposed regardless of legality since more substantive issues of social action and public morality were involved here. Many agreed with Snowden. Few argued that he broke the law and compromised national security, for which he should be held accountable.
Do you agree that Snowden’s actions were ethically justified even if legally prohibited? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case (250 words)
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