UPSC CSE Mains 2015 Previous Year Questions

GS Paper - 3 16 questions

2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 15 marks

Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Forces” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 15 marks

The persisting drives of the Government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic growth.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 12.5 marks

Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country?

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 12.5 marks

Human right activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 10 marks

Discuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 12.5 marks

In view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non-viable for a majority of farmers, should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 12.5 marks

Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable examples.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Disaster Management 12.5 marks

The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Environment & Ecology 12.5 marks

Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and the causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 12.5 marks

There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognizing this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs requires augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 12.5 marks

“Success of ‘Make in India’ programme depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 12.5 marks

The craze for gold in Indians has led to a surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on the balance of payments and external value of the rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of the Gold Monetization Scheme.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 12.5 marks

What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in the industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks?

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 12.5 marks

India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons of making this database publicly available under open-source licensing.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 12.5 marks

Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 12.5 marks

What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation.

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GS Paper - 2 4 questions

2015 Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 12.5 marks

Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 12.5 marks

Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 12.5 marks

The increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically examine

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 12.5 marks

Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India – Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.

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GS Paper - 1 34 questions

2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 12.5 marks

The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 12.5 marks

Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 12.5 marks

Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 12.5 marks

“For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of the experiences in the recent past.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 12.5 marks

In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 12.5 marks

The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 12.5 marks

Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 12.5 marks

Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 12.5 marks

In absence of well–educated and organised local level government system, ‘Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 12.5 marks

The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 12.5 marks

Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex court in this regard

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 12.5 marks

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 12.5 marks

What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 12.5 marks

Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyse whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?

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2015 Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 12.5 marks

Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra–constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

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