2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 15 marks
India’s proximity to the two of the world’s biggest illicit opium growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter measures should be taken to prevent the same?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 15 marks
Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 10 marks
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Internal Security 10 marks
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 15 marks
How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in the recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millet production and consumption.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 15 marks
Assess the role of the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity, and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 10 marks
Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables, and food items. How do they eliminate the number of intermediaries?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Agriculture 10 marks
What do you mean by the Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Disaster Management 15 marks
Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-30)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Environment & Ecology 15 marks
How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Environment & Ecology 10 marks
Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Environment & Ecology 10 marks
What is a wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Environment & Ecology 10 marks
What are the impediments disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulated in our habitable environment?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
Among several factors for India’s potential growth, the savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 15 marks
How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade effect macroeconomic stability of India?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 15 marks
How are the principles followed by NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile planning commission in India?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 10 marks
Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Economy 15 marks
“Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 15 marks
With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 3 Science and Technology 15 marks
Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?
Model Answer Guidelines
GS Paper - 2 6 questions
2018
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 15 marks
In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 15 marks
What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of the ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 15 marks
What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of the ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 15 marks
Indian and the USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 2 International Relations 10 marks
“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
GS Paper - 1 33 questions
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 15 marks
The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Social Justice 15 marks
Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 15 marks
How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 10 marks
E-governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about the critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Governance 10 marks
“Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate protection and prevention of degradation to the environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
Whether the Supreme Court Judgment (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt.Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
“The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remain in force?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 10 marks
In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 15 marks
Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction & duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella human rights commission? Argue your case.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 15 marks
Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing development projects?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 15 marks
How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Polity 15 marks
India and USA are the two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 15 marks
Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India & explain the nature of convergence, collaboration & Competition for its success.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 15 marks
What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 15 marks
Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 10 marks
“The ideal solution of depleting groundwater resources in India is water harvesting system”. How can it be made effective in urban areas?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 10 marks
What are the consequences of the spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystems?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 10 marks
Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Geography 10 marks
Why is India taking a keen interest in the resources of the Arctic region?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 15 marks
‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 15 marks
‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 15 marks
‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 10 marks
How is the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 10 marks
‘Despite the implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Indian Society 10 marks
“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 15 marks
Discuss whether the formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Modern India 10 marks
Why indentured labour was taken by British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Ancient History Art & Culture 15 marks
The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss
Model Answer Guidelines
2018
Mains GS Paper - 1 Ancient History Art & Culture 15 marks
Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab Travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.
Practicing previous year questions is one of the most effective strategies for UPSC CSE exam preparation. This page contains 60 authentic questions from the UPSC CSE Mains 2018 examination, complete with answers and detailed explanations.
At Quintessence Classes, we believe that understanding past exam patterns is crucial for success in competitive examinations. Our curated PYQ collection helps students identify frequently tested topics, understand the difficulty level, and practice with real exam questions. Whether you are preparing for UPSC CSE, JKPSC KAS, or JKSSB exams, our previous year questions database is designed to give you an edge in your preparation.
