upsc 2016 essay paper pdf

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UPSC Civil Services Mains 2016: ESSAY Question Paper

Instructions:  Write two essays, choosing one from each of the following Section A & B, in about 1000-1200 words.

Total Marks : 250

Section ‘A’

1. If development is not engendered, it is endangered

2. Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed

3. Water disputes between states in federal India

4. Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare

1. Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality

2. Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run

3. Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms

4. Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality

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UPSC CSE Mains 2016 Essay Question Paper

Last updated on September 14, 2023 by Alex Andrews George

Table of Contents

Instructions:  Write two essays, choosing one from each of the following Section A and B, in about 1000-1200 words.

• If development is not engendered, it is endangered
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed
• Water disputes between states in federal India
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality
• Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality

Quick Analysis of the Question Paper

• Essay questions of 2016 are comparatively easier than those asked in 2015 and 2014.
• Four analytical questions were asked in Section B – with all four questions having an ‘OR’ option. The two sides were asked to analyse before taking a stand.
• Questions like digital economy, jobless growth, water disputes, innovation etc. are all GS topics, and hence normally covered by aspirants while studying General Studies Paper 2 and General Studies Paper 3.
• Related questions were asked in ClearIAS 50-day HVAW , 30-day AWP ,  model tests  and other GS tests.
• Though the exact meaning of the word ‘engendered’ is not completely related with ‘gender’, the question 1 in section A is connected with gender equality as it can be inferred from the ‘Hindi Translation’ which talks about ‘Stree-Purush…’. “Development, if not engendered, is endangered” is a catchy quote, taken from a UN development report published a decade and a half ago. It talks about the need for gender equality.

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About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and social entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training , Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped many aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

December 3, 2016 at 3:44 pm

plz let me know that whether the marks of only paper A (indian lang) & paper B (english lang) be displayed in the result of mains in february OR the marks of all 7 papers + paper A & B be displayed..??

December 3, 2016 at 4:46 pm

Essay ko English mai likhna compulsory hai ya Hindi mai likh skate hai

June 27, 2017 at 11:56 am

ENGLISH SUBJECT COMPULSARY HOTA HAI AND ESSAY WRITTING SE APKI ENGLISH STRENGTH CHECK KI JATI HAI KI

November 18, 2017 at 2:23 pm

Aap Hindi me likh sakte hai.

December 4, 2016 at 12:59 am

Commonly question were simple but writing was enough do if writing skills will be fast then easily able to qualify mains paper.

December 5, 2016 at 12:41 pm

yes, i need to develop my writing skills

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[Download] UPSC Mains-2016: Essay Paper & Topicwise Essay Papers of last 24 YEARS (1993-2016)

• Instructions

Section-A: 125 Marks

Section-b: 125 marks, analysis: against past gs papers, similarities: against past essay papers.

• 1) India: Democracy, administration, Society, culture
• 2) Economy, Development
• 3) Education
• 4) Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics
• 5) Women empowerment
• 6) International issues, Internal Security
• 7) Science-Technology

Instructions of Essay Paper-2016

• On 3 rd December 2016, UPSC conducted the Essay paper for the civil services mains examination.
• The essay 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 medium other than authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

Write any one of the following essay in 1000-1200 words.

• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. स्त्री- पुरुष के सामान सरोकारों को शामिल किये बिना विकास संकटग्रस्त है |
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. आवश्कता लोभ की जननी है, तथा लोभ का आधिक्य नस्लें बर्बाद करता है |
• Water disputes between States in federal India. संघीय भारत में राज्यों के बीच जल-विवाद |
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. नवप्रवर्तन आर्थिक संवृद्धि और सामाजिक कल्याण का अपरिहार्य निर्धारक है |
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality. सहकारी संघवाद : मिथक अथवा यथार्थ |
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run? साइबरस्पेस और इन्टरनेट : दीर्ध अवधि में मानव सभ्यता के लिए वरदान अथवा अभिशाप |
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. भारत में लगभग रोजगारविहीन संवृद्धि : आर्थिक सुधार की विसंगति या परिणाम |
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. डिजिटल अर्थवयवस्था : एक समताकारी या आर्थिक असमता का स्त्रोत |

Since Mains syllabus change in 2013, What UPSC asked in General studies papers, now they’ve asking similar in Essay paper-2016! Observe

Dissimilarities against Paper Essay papers

Fear of capitalism- continues

Seems the UPSC examiner is too much worried capitalism vs. inclusive growth. observe

Another interpretation

• could be that in 2016- both World bank report (Digital Dividend) and WEF-summit (4 th industrial revolution)- highlighted the common theme that ICT, App-based,
• On-demand economy is creating unequal opportunities wherein 10 member team of whatsapp, facebook making billions whereas 100 worker strong mfg. factories don’t even make crores.

Third interpretation: ofcourse, Narasimha Rao and 25 th anniversary of LPG reforms!

Fear of Technology- continues

Seems the UPSC examiner is too much worried about the terminator-3 “Rise of machine”

Essay-list: Topic wise last 24 years (1993-2016)

Each year, along with essay paper, I also upload topicwise compilation of all essays asked since 1993. However, this time, I’ve further refined the internal classification of the topics. Here it goes:

1India: Democracy, administration, Society, culture

1.1) india since independence.

• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India's Success? -2013
• In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy -2012
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
• Whither Indian democracy? -1995
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
• My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993

1.2) Federalism, Decentralization

• Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
• Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people.  -2007
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998

1.3) Administration

• How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. -1995
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy -1996
• Need for transparency in public administration -1996
• The country’s need for a better disaster management system. -2000
• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994

1.4) Judiciary

• Justice must reach the poor -2005
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
• Judicial activism. -1997

1.5) Poverty, Social Justice

• Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
• Food security for sustainable national development -2005
• Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999

1.6) Indian Culture and Values

• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
• The composite culture of India. -1998
• The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996

1.7) Media, TV & Cinema

• Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
• Role of media in good governance -2008
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014
• Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
• The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998

2Economy, Development

2.1) growth vs development.

• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. -2016
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. -2016
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. -2016
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
• Resource management in the Indian context. -1999

2.2) Environment vs Development

• Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
• Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
• Special economic zone: boon or bane -2008
• Is the criticism that the ‘Public-Private-Partnership’ (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified ?-2012

2.4) Sectors of Economy

• BPO boom in India.   -2007
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009

3.1) Values in Education

• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
• Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
• What is real education? -2005

3.2) Scheme implementation

•  “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006
• Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995

3.3) Higher education

• Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
• Credit – based higher education system – status , opportunities and challenges -2011

4Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

4.1) character, honesty.

• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
• Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man.  -2007
• He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993

4.2) Knowledge

• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995

4.3) Compassion

• Compassion is the basic of all morality would -1993
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
• Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
• Truth is lived, not taught -1996
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002

4.5) Youth, Discipline

• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
• If youth knew, if age could. -2002
• Youth culture today. -1999
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014

4.6) Towards excellence

• Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
• Useless life is an early death. -1994
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
• The pursuit of excellence. -2001

5Women empowerment

5.1) @national politics.

• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995

5.2) @World / Quote type

• If women ruled the world -2005
• The hand that rocks the cradle -2005

5.3) Empowerment overall

• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
• Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999

5.4) Compared to men

• Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
• Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012

6International issues, Internal Security

6.1) globalization.

• Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010
• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
• ‘ globalization’ vs. ‘ nationalism’ -2009
• National identity and patriotism -2008
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
• The masks of new imperialism. -2003
• As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
• The implications of globalization for India. -2000
• My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
• India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
• The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010

6.2) International Org./ Bilateral

• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
• The global order: political and economic -1993
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006

6.3) Security

• Good fences make good neighbours -2009
• Terrorism and world peace -2005
• True religion cannot be misused. -1997
• In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
• Are we a ‘soft ’ state ? -2009

7Science-Technology

7.1) science and religion.

• Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
• Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012

7.2) Science and Education

• Modern technological education and human values. -2002
• Value-based science and education. -1999
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001

7.3) Computer and internet

• Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
• Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993

7.4) Sci-Tech: others

• Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
• The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
• The lure of space. -2004

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54 comments.

Everything is fine except GS-2.!!!

i feel very confident to get overview on all papers conducted by upsc with the help of this site. now i can decide good stratgy for next exam… thanks alot mrunnal sir…

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Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality. sir in this easy, we can only talk about one topic or we can descriptively explain both and come to the solution what is it (myth or reality) .

thank you so much sir , mrunal’s last year post on essays immensely helped me in 2016. it seems atleast 1 question from each section was asked from past papers.

Please let me know where i can get previous year language paper question paper pdf

thanks sir very useful this post for ias mains essay paper.

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UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination – 2016: ESSAY Paper

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UPSC IAS Mains Essay (Compulsory) Paper – 2016

QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

(Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions)

The ESSAY 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 medium other than the authorized one.

Word limit, as 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.

Write TWO Essays, choosing ONE from each, of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

1. If development is not engendered, it is endangered

2. Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed

3. Water disputes between States in federal India

4. Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare

1. Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality

2. Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run

3. Near jobless growth in India : An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms

4. Digital economy : A leveller or a source of economic inequality

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UPSC Mains 2016 Essay Question Paper

Dear Aspirants,

So the big day has arisen. The UPSC Mains 2016 Essay Paper just got over. The Essay Paper of UPSC Mains 2016 is of 250 marks and candidates had to write two essays. Interestingly, unlike the essay paper of Mains last year, the essay paper of Mains this year in 2016 did not have philosophical topics. Rather the essay topics asked this year were more from current affairs.

Instructions: Write two essays, choosing one from each of the following Section A & B, in about 1000-1200 words.

Total Marks :  250

1. If development is not engendered, it is endangered.

2. Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed

3. Water disputes between states in federal India

4. Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare

1. Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality

2. Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run

3. Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms

4. Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality

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Question paper.

Marks : 250 (125x2)

Duration: 3 hours

Write Two Essays, choosing One from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each.

Section-A (125 marks) - Choose any one Essay

If development is not engendered, it is engendered., need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils bread., water disputes between state in federal india., innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare., section-b (125 marks)- choose any one essay, cooperative federalism: myth or reality., cyberspace and internet: blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run., near jobless growth in india: an anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms., digital economy: a leveller or a source of economic inequality., click here for download full paper pdf, (e-book) upsc mains essay (compulsory) papers ( 2000-2020 ) pdf, download upsc mains gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc pre gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc mains gs solved papers pdf, printed study material for ias mains general studies, printed study material for ias mains essay, << go back to main page.

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• UPSC CSE 2016 Essay question paper

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Applicants appearing for the UPSC IAS 2021 mains exam can download the UPSC CSE 2016 essay question paper pdf here.

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UPSC Mains Question Paper – 2024 (GS-Papers)

UPSC Mains Question Paper :  2024 Time:  3 Hours

Question Paper Specific Instructions

Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions : There are Twenty questions printed both in Hindi and in  English . All questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question/ part is indicated against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Questions-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers are 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 in the Questions-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2024: General Studies-I

• Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. (Answer in 150 words)
• Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India . (Answer in 150 words)
• What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (Answer in 150 words)
• What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (Answer in 150 words)
• Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (Answer in 150 words)
• What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)
• What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)
• Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? (Answer in 150 words)
• Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
• In dealing with socio-economic Issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive? (Answer in 150 words)
• “Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture”. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)
• How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? (Answer in 250 words)
• How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (Answer in 250 words)
• The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (Answer in 250 words)
• What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (Answer in 250 words)
• What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (Answer in 250 words)
• What is regional disparity How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words)
• Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)
• Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? (Answer in 250 words)
• Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (Answer in 250 words)

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2024: General Studies-II

• Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. (Answer in 150 words)
• Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats And Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? (Answer in 150 words)
• “The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy:” Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)
• “The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words)
• Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. (Answer in 150 words)
• Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)
• Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (Answer in 150 words)
• The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
• ‘The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategically to counter China’s political and economic dominance.” Explain this statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
• Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (Answer in 150 words)
• What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? (Answer in 250 words).
• Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity. (Answer in 250 words)
• What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-Stare relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words)
• Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary ? (Answer in 250 words)
• Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. (Answer in 250 words)
• The Citizens’ charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)
• In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level . (Answer in 250 words)
• e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance. (Answer in 250 words)
• ‘ Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.’ Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. (Answer in 250 words)
• Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and/energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition? (Answer in 250 words )

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2024: General Studies-III

• Examine the (pattern) and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth? (Answer in 150 words)
• What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation. (Answer in 150 words)
• What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)
• Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. (Answer in 150 words)
• What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. (Answer in 150 words)
• What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards? (Answer in 150 words)
• Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)
• What role do Environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (DIA)outcomes for major projects in India? Cite Tour examples with all important details. (Answer in 150 words)
• Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism. (Answer in 150 words)
• Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. (Answer in 150 words)
• Discuss the merits and demerits of the four ‘Labour Codes’ in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard? (Answer in 250 words)
• What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (Answer in 250 words)
• What are the major challenges faced by the Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management. (Answer in 250 words)
• Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
• The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words)
• What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? (Answer in 250 words)
• What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). (Answer in 250 words)
• Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods. (Answer in 250 words)
• India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme. Answer in 250 words)
• Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem. (Answer in 250 words)

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2024: General Studies-IV

1.(a) The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. (Answer in 150 words)

1.(b) “Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour.” Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context. (Answer in 150 words)

2.(a) “It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it.” In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today’s international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts? (Answer in 150 words)

2.(b) Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment? (Answer in 150 words)

3. Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?

3.(a) “Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.” — Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)

3.(b) “Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” — Sardar Patel (Answer in 150 words)

3.(c) “In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” — Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words)

4.(a) “The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today’s context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice.” Examine the above statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)

4.(b) “Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent.” Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)

5.(a) ‘The ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Code of Ethics’ are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance. (Answer in 150 words)

5.(b) The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system. (Answer in 150 words)

6.(a) “In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years.” Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity. (Answer in 150 words)

6.(b) Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level ? (Answer in 150 words)

7. There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business’s environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019. The significant rise in energy consumption is mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data centers, fuelled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Al-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities, notwithstanding their notable gains. The technology’s proliferation has led to a growing concern over the environmental repercussions, resulting in an increase in warnings. Al models, especially those used in extensive machine learning and data processing, exhibit much greater energy consumption than conventional computer tasks, with an exponential increase. Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of Al continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders’ worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both, business objectives and ethical obligations. (a) What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case? (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (c)Your company has been identified to be penalized by technological gaints. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth convince about its necessity? (d) Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environment footprint? (Answer in 250 words)

8. Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which needed his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group, was a matter of grave concern. It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus they were vulnerable and soft targets. In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers of DIG Range and above, it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organisation seemed to have the clear objective of utilising/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state. communal organisations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and to check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions. Discrete inquiries made by the police, through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6 – 8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet, etc. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of that global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national tweets on their WhatsApp and Facebook, etc. It seemed that they succumbed to their ploy and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government’s initiatives, policies and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism.

(a) What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation ? (b) What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state ? (c) In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence gathering mechanism of the police force ? (Answer in 250 words)

9. With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments specially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people. Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get the real time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadre. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordons and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit, who himself was leading one of the contingents got a message though his intelligence source that about ten hard core naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search. During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than five hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviours. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer, IG (Special Operations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hard core top insurgents with prize money of & ten lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation Rohit might have to resort to firing which may lead to valuable loss of lives _of civilians and would further complicate the situation. (a)What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation? (b)What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit ? (c)Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why? (d)In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters? (Answer in 250 words)

10. Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of the new super speciality center that the hospitals building with state-of-the art equipment and world class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother’s company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favouritism against her and tarnish her image The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers (a). What should be Sneha’s course of action ? (b). How would she justify what she chooses to do ? (c). In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest? (Answer in 250 words)

11. With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has been mobilizing his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping the over-exploitation of ground-water. Vigilance teams have been deployed to tour the villages and find the farmers who are drawing water from deep borewells or from the river reservoir for irrigation. The farmers are agitated by such action. A delegation of farmers meets the District Collector with their issues and complains that while they are not being allowed to irrigate their crops, big industries located near the river are drawing huge amounts of water through deep borewells for their industrial processes. The farmers allege that their administration is anti-farmer and corrupt, being bribed by the industry. The district needs to placate the farmers as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, the District Collector has to deal with the water crisis. The industry cannot be closed as this would result in a large number of workers being unemployed. (a) Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate. (b) What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders? (c) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector ? (Answer in 250 words)

12. Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world and the cases reported in the country are increasing. There is huge pressure on Dr. Srinivasan’s team to expedite the trials for the drug as there is significant market for it, and the company wants to get the first-mover advantage in the market. During a team meeting, some senior team members suggest some shortcut for expediting the clinical trials for the drug and for getting the requisite approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude some negative outcomes and selectively reporting positive results, foregoing the process of informed consent and using compounds already patented by a rival company, rather than developing one’s own component. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, at the same time he realises meeting the targets is impossible without using these means. (a) What would you do in such a situation? (b) Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical questions involved. (c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario? (Answer in 250 words)