Mains Answer Writing

Practice structured answer writing with actual UPSC Mains questions

GS-I2025Q.1

Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture.

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GS-II2025Q.1

Discuss the 'corrupt practices' for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute 'undue influence' and consequently a corrupt practice.

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GS-III2025Q.1

Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth?

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GS-IV2025Q.1

(a) In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard. (b) Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherance of the rule of law. Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

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GS-I2025Q.2

Examine the main aspects of Akbar's religious syncretism.

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GS-II2025Q.2

Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.

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GS-III2025Q.2

What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met?

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GS-IV2025Q.2

(a) Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. (b) Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.

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GS-I2025Q.3

The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life. Elucidate.

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GS-II2025Q.3

Compare and contrast the President's power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are 'preemptive pardons'?

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GS-III2025Q.3

Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India.

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GS-IV2025Q.3

(a) Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself. - Thiruvalluvar (b) The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes. - William James (c) The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people. - Swami Vivekananda

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GS-I2025Q.4

How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.

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GS-II2025Q.4

Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

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GS-III2025Q.4

Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India.

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GS-IV2025Q.4

(a) For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework. Justify this statement with suitable examples. (b) What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

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GS-I2025Q.5

What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples.

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GS-II2025Q.5

The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel. Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.

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GS-III2025Q.5

The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India's contributions to the international fusion energy project - International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy?

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GS-IV2025Q.5

(a) One who is devoted to one's duty attains highest perfection in life. Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant. (b) To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal?

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