2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 12.5 marks
How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 12.5 marks
Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing extremism.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 12.5 marks
Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 10 marks
What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 10 marks
Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 10 marks
Establish relationships between land reforms, agricultural productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture – friendly land reforms in India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 10 marks
India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in the food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 10 marks
What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels? Critically analyse the agricultural subsidy regime with reference to the distortions created by it.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 10 marks
Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Disaster Management 12.5 marks
How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Environment & Ecology 12.5 marks
Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking the river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of the management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Environment & Ecology 12.5 marks
What are the consequences of Illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of GO AND NO GO zones for the coal mining sector.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
What do you understand about the Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
What do you understand about the Umpire Decision Review System in cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
Adoption of the PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
Discuss the rationale for introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring out critically the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 5 marks
Though India allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through the joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI, even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 5 marks
Discuss the impact of FDI entry into the Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in the commodity trade pattern of the economy.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily? Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
What is the meaning of the term ‘tax expenditure’? Taking the housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2013? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
With consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in the right earnest. Also, discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
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?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 5 marks
What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their application in the aviation and automobile industries.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 5 marks
How does 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 5 marks
What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 10 marks
What do you understand by Fixed-Dose drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 10 marks
What do you understand by Fixed-Dose drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 12.5 marks
Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced an amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.
Model Answer Guidelines
GS Paper - 2 8 questions
2013
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
Discuss the political developments in the Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two intergovernmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions, and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
What is meant by the Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
GS Paper - 1 39 questions
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 10 marks
Though Citizen’s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyse.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 10 marks
Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 10 marks
The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 10 marks
The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 10 marks
Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 10 marks
Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 10 marks
The Central Government frequently complains of the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating the suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of the population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 10 marks
The concept of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates, and success.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 10 marks
The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 10 marks
Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at the State level? Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 10 marks
It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for quarter-century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 10 marks
With the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw materials required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 10 marks
(a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the southern States of India? Discuss with justification. (b) Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 10 marks
(a) Bring out the causes for the more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. (b) There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 10 marks
Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 deg N latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 10 marks
Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 10 marks
Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 10 marks
Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 10 marks
Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 World History 10 marks
What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 World History 10 marks
American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 World History 10 marks
Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 World History 10 marks
“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experienced.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
“In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India.” Elaborate.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Defying the barriers of age, gender, and religion, the Indian women became the torch-bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Defying the barriers of age, gender, and religion, the Indian women became the torch-bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Ancient History Art & Culture 10 marks
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2013
Mains GS Paper - 1 Ancient History Art & Culture 10 marks
Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.
Practicing previous year questions is one of the most effective strategies for UPSC CSE exam preparation. This page contains 78 authentic questions from the UPSC CSE Mains 2013 examination, complete with answers and detailed explanations.
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