Mains 2023

Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.” – Swami Vivekanand.

“To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Ones she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru

What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.

Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.

Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the ‘ No Money for Terror [NMFT]’ Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022.

Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures.

Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?

The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?

What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?

Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in the healthcare?

What is the main task of India’s third mood mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota

Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority(NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.

Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament?

Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.

“The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment.

“Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. Comment.

Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?

Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.

”The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society”. Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.

Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?

Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.

Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forests regions of India.

From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.

Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.

Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?

Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises?

Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society.

Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?

Do you think marriage as a sacrament in losing its value in Modern India?

Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.

Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.

What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?

How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?

Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India.

What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?

What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?

Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples.

What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization(WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.

‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.’ Discuss.

Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions.

In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples.

What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making ? Discuss.

How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.

‘International aid’ is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’. Support your answer with suitable examples.

Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi

What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ- not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with this view ? Give reasons in support of your answer.

What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the context of corporate governance in India ? Illustrate with suitable examples.

“Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?

Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.

Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.

What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.

Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?

‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.

Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.

‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating problems.

e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?

How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?

Why is the South-West monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?

The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this adequacy.

Skill development programs have succeed in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between education, skill and employment.

State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria.

“Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.

Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.