UPSC Mains 2018 Hit Ratio

GENERAL STUDIES 1

Question 1

Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (10 marks)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Editorial analysis-Date: 5th august (editorial 2)
  2. Current affairs-Date:17th June (News 2)
  3. Current affairs-Date:2nd January (News 2)
  4. Science Module 2-Date: 11th  
  5. Editorial analysis-Date: 6th September (editorial 2)

Question 2

Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region? (10)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 20th July (Science & Tech.)
  2. FOCUS Mains Booklet No. 3 (International Reltn)
  3. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 3

“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (10)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. General Studies Notes – GS 1 -IS- SCHEDULED CASTES
  2. Editorial analysis-Date: 11th and 12th September (editorial 2)
  3. GS Notes- Role of Caste in Indian Society (Day 42)
  4. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 4

‘Despite implementation of various Programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (10)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. General Studies Notes – GS 2 -IS- poverty in India
  2. FOCUS Mains Booklet No. 1 (Social Issues)
  3. FOCUS Mains Booklet No. 3 (Social Issues)
  4. Mains Course- Day 43
  5. Mains Course- Day 44
  6. Mains Course- Day 46
  7. Editorial analysis-Date: 02 July (editorial 2)
  8. also includes other editorial analysis

Question 5

How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (10)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Mains Course- Day 42
  2. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 6

Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (15)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Mains Course- Day 42 (only Basics explained here)
  2. FOCUS Mains Booklet No. 1 (Indian Polity )- Gorkhaland issue
  3. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 7

“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (15)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Mains Course- Day 42 (only Basics explained here)
  2. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 18th September (Science & Tech.)
  3. GS Notes- Causes and effects of Groundwater
  4. GS Notes- Surface and Groundwater degradation
  5. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 8

Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (15)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. GS Notes- Doubling Farmer’s income by 2022 (only Basics explained here)
  2. Kurukshetra Magazine- April 2018-Complete portion covered

Question 9

What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (15)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Editorial analysis-Date: 11th and 12th September (only Basics explained here)
  2. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 10

Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (10)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Basics can be cleared using Geography Notes.
  2. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 11

Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. (15)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 7th July (National news.)
  2. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 12

‘Women’s movement in India has not addresses the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (15)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Mains Course- Day 40
  2. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 13

‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate.

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Basics can be cleared using Geography Notes.
  2. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 14 

‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (15)

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Basics can be cleared using Indian Society Notes.
  2. More analysis / data required for this question

GENERAL STUDIES 2

Question 1

In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (10)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 26th July (National news.)
  2. GS Notes- About VVPAT.
  3. Editorial analysis-Date: 9th December 2017

Question 2

Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (10)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. Mains Course- Day 10 (only Basics explained here)
  2. Mains Course- Day 26 (only Basics explained here)
  3. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 8th September (National news.)

Question 3

Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? (10)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. Mains Course- Day 21 (only Basics explained here)
  2. More analysis / data required for this question
  3. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 4

“Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 17th September.
  2. Current affairs-Date:14 July (News 2) (only Basics explained here)
  3. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 5

Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. Editorial analysis-Date: 02 August 2018
  2. Editorial analysis-Date: 28 August 2018
  3. Editorial analysis-Date: 29 August 2018
  4. Editorial analysis-Date: 22 and 24 September 2018
  5. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 16th August
  6. Mains Course- Day 11
  7. Mains Course- Day 28
  8. also includes other editorial analysis

Question 6

E-governance in not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain. (10)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. Mains Course- Day 11(only Basics explained here)
  2. Mains Course- Day 12 (Complete analysis + lesson included)
  3. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 7

“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (10)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. FOCUS MAINS Booklet #2
  2. FOCUS MAINS Booklet #18
  3. FOCUS MAINS Booklet #21
  4. Mains Course- Day 15
  5. Mains Course- Day 16
  6. Editorial analysis-Date: 21 July (editorial 1)
  7. Additional Notes-Israel-Palestine relations
  8. Editorial analysis-Date: 8 December (editorial 1)
  9. also includes other editorial analysis (list is too big)

Question 8

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. (10)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. Mains Course- Day 11(only Basics explained here)
  2. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 9

Whether the Supreme Court Judgment (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (15)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 5th July
  2. Editorial analysis-Date: 07 December (editorial 1)

Question 10

How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India. (15)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. Includes other editorial analysis (list is too big)

Question 11

Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. Mains Course- Day 20(only Basics explained here)

Question 12

How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. (15)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. FOCUS MAINS Booklet #14
  2. FOCUS MAINS Booklet #16
  3. FOCUS MAINS Booklet #09
  4. Editorial analysis-Date: 13 April (editorial 1)
  5. Editorial analysis-Date: 7 December (editorial 1)
  6. Editorial analysis-Date: 13 June (editorial 2)
  7. Editorial analysis-Date: 09 March (editorial 2)
  8. Editorial analysis-Date: 22 March (editorial 2)
  9. Editorial analysis-Date: 21 May (editorial 2)

Question 13

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 developmental projects? (15)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 14

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. (15)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. Mains Course- Day 12
  2. Mains Course- Day 50

Question 15

What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (15)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 7th July
  2. Editorial analysis-Date: 23 August (editorial 3)
  3. Editorial analysis-Date: 30 August (editorial 1)
  4. Editorial analysis-Date: 17 July (editorial 2)
  5. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 16

In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (15)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. Includes other editorial analysis (list is too big)
  2. This issue has been discussed in detail in various modules of the Hindu analysis and Editorial analysis

Question 17

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? (15)

Importance of Mains Course 

  1. FOCUS MAINS Booklet #8
  2. More analysis / data required for this question
  3. GS Notes – Malnutrition in India
  4. GS Notes – Poverty in India
  5. Mains Notes.
  6. Reports of Various organisations on hunger has been discussed In detail

GENERAL STUDIES 3

Question 1

“Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is a sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

  1. FOCUS MAINS Booklet #8
  2. Editorial analysis-Date: 1st November (editorial 1)
  3. General Studies -3 Notes – Energy sector in India
  4. General Studies -3 Notes -Potential of Solar Energy in India
  5. General Studies -3 Notes -The National Energy Policy

Question 2

What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income traps? (150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

  1. General Studies -3 Notes -Minimum Support Price and Small farmers
  2. Mains Course- Day #02

Question 3

Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate the number of intermediaries? (150 words)10

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Mains Course- Day #05
  2. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 4

What is wetland? Example the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (150 words)10

Importance of Mains Course

  1. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 10th July (Science & Tech.)
  2. General Studies -3 Notes -All about Wetlands and Wetlands Rules, 2017

Question 5

Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State ‘in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State? (150 words)10

Importance of Mains Course

  1. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 6

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. (150 words)10

Importance of Mains Course

  1. FOCUS MAINS Booklet #19
  2. There is a huge list of Editorials Covered from this topic

Question 7

Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still effects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the government of India’s approach to counter the challengers post by LWE. (150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

  1. General Studies -3 Notes -Maoism in India
  2. Mains Course Notes on Internal Security
  3. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 8

How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile planning commission in India? (250 words)15

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Editorial analysis-Date: 22 and 24 September

Question 9

How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade effect macroeconomic stability of India? (250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

  1. There is a huge list of Editorials Covered from this topic. i.e protectionism and Donald trump policy

Question 10

How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption. (250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

  1. Mains Course- Day #01
  2. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 11

With growing energy needs should India keep on extending its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 words)15

Importance of Mains Course

  1. General Studies -3 Notes -Nuclear power in India
  2. General Studies -3 Notes -India- Japan on Nuclear Energy Cooperation
  3. General Studies -3 Notes -Basics about India-US Nuclear Deal
  4. There is a huge list of Editorials Covered from this topic
  5. Smart Linkage of Current affairs with the Static portion

Question 12

How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation flora and fauna? (250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

  1. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 10th July (Only basics here)
  2. The Hindu Analysis-Date: 29th June
  3. More analysis / data required for this question

Question 13

Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (250 words)15

Importance of Mains Course

  1. National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)
  2. Basics Covered in Yojana Issue

Question 14

Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cybercrimes. The justice B.N Sri krishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating the protection of personal data in cyberspace? (250 words)15

Importance of Mains Course

  1. There is a huge list of Editorials Covered from this topic

Question 15

What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (150 words)10

Importance of Mains Course

  1. General Studies -3 Notes -Solid Waste Management in India
  2. More analysis / data required for this question

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