Mains Answer Writing

Practice structured answer writing with actual UPSC Mains questions

GS-I2016Q.1

Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.

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GS-II2016Q.1

Discuss 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 the Indian federal politics? Discuss 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 the Indian federal politics?

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GS-III2016Q.1

How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?

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GS-IV2016Q.1

(a) Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. (b) Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational values in public services, especially in the present day socio-political context? Illustrate your answer with examples.

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GS-I2016Q.2

Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.

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GS-II2016Q.2

To 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.

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GS-III2016Q.2

Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?

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GS-IV2016Q.2

(a) What do you understand by the terms 'governance', 'good governance' and 'ethical governance'? (b) Discuss Mahatma Gandhi's concept of seven sins.

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GS-I2016Q.3

Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.

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GS-II2016Q.3

"The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes." Discuss.

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GS-III2016Q.3

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.

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GS-IV2016Q.3

(a) Analyse John Rawls's concept of social justice in the Indian context. (b) Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.

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GS-I2016Q.4

Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.

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GS-II2016Q.4

Exercise 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 audit of the Government's policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.

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GS-III2016Q.4

What are 'Smart Cities'? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for 'Smart Villages' in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.

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GS-IV2016Q.4

(a) "Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national development." Discuss Kautilya's views. (b) How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?

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GS-I2016Q.5

Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

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GS-II2016Q.5

Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Republic' in the 'Preamble'. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

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GS-III2016Q.5

Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India.

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GS-IV2016Q.5

(a) Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.

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