UPSC Mains 2021 Hit Ratio

GENERAL STUDIES 1

Question 1

Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture.  (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Easy question
  • Can be solved using any standard text book on medieval history.
  • Basics Covered in Static Portion of GS Notes

 

Question 02

Trace the rise and growth of socio­-religious reform movements with special reference to young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Easy Question
  • Can be solved using any standard text book on modern history.
  • Basics on socio-religious reform movements Covered in Static Portion of GS Notes

 

Question 03

Access the main administrative issues and socio –cultural problems in the integration process of Indian princely states.  (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Easy Question
  • Can be solved if you have practiced UPSC Previous Year Question Papers.
  • Basics covered in GS Notes

 

Question 04

Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.  (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Basics on Lanslides covered in GS Notes
  • More data/ analysis required for this question

 

Question 05

Despite India being one of the countries of  the  Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Direct question on Mining Industry
  • Editorial analysis dated-07th March 2019

 

Question 06

What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? explain with examples?  (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Based on Urban flooding
  • Covered in various Editorials

 

Question 07

Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Direct Question
  • Was in news due to 2 Latest volcanoes this year
  • Covered Basics of volcanoes in GS Notes.

 

Question 08

Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Basic question
  • direct from syllabus
  • More data/ analysis required for this question

 

Question 09

Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • This topic was in news since past 2 years
  • We have given more than 10  to 12 Editorial Analysis directly on this topic.
  • More data/ analysis required for this question (as it target towards women empowerment).

 

Question 10

To what extend did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Direct Question
  • Covered Basics in GS Notes.

 

Question 11

Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Direct Question
  • Covered Basics in GS Notes.

 

Question 12

Discuss the multidimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.  (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Basics question
  • More data/ analysis required for this question

 

Question 13

What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of development of IT industries in major cities of India  (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Direct question
  • More data/ analysis required for this question

 

Question 14

Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Basic question
  • More data/ analysis required for this question

 

Question 15

What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global security? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Easy question
  • This topic was in news since past 2 years
  • We have given more than 15  to 16 Editorial Analysis directly on this topic.

 

GENERAL STUDIES 2

Question 1

‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 94-Strengthening Judicial Apparatus 
  • The Big Picture Ep. 467-Indianisation of Judiciary.

 

Question 2

Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 3

How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the states to improve their fiscal position?(Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 4

To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 5

“Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 6

“Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.” Analyze. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 347-World Sustainable Development Summit 2021.

 

Question 7

“‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 8

Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 76-Gender Equality Challenges
  • The Big Picture Ep. 427-Regulatory Framework For Microfinance.

 

Question 9

“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 017-Peace, Security in Africa & India’s Stand.

 

Question 10

“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 39-China’s Af-Pak axis against India ,
  • The Big Picture Ep. 51-Defiant Taiwan Adamant China India,
  • The Big Picture Ep. 124-China diplomatic ties,
  • The Big Picture Ep. 173-India-China Tensions and Way Forward
  • The Big Picture Ep. 235-India-China Relations- A Reality Check
  • The Big Picture Ep. 314-Tackling Expansionist China.

 

Question 11

The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular state is being questioned by various States. However, the power of States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 278-CBI, States & General Consent
  • Everything is covered in this single PDF.

 

Question 12

Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 13

Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 14

Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 15

Do Department -related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 16

Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, couple with lack of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 17

“Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 18

Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen. Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 19

Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. what importance does it hold for India. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 147-SCO Summit 2020 
  • The Big Picture Ep. 469-21st SCO Council Meet
  • The Big Picture Ep. 290-SCO Heads of Government Summit
  • The Big Picture Ep. 277-20th SCO Heads of State Summit.

 

Question 20

The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strenght and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 468-AUKUS – Geopolitical Impact
  • The Big Picture Ep. 362-Indo Pacific : US Strategy
  • The Big Picture Ep. 325-US Strategic Policy for Indo Pacific Region
  • The Big Picture Ep. 125-Indo-Pacific – Strategic Importance
  • The Big Picture Ep. 119-Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

 

 

GENERAL STUDIES 3

Question 1

Explain the difference between the computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 625-GDP figures and economic outlook
  • The Big Picture Ep. 288-GDP Q2 Data
  • The Big Picture Ep. 59-Decoding GDP
  • The Big Picture Ep. 33-GDP Drivers..

 

Question 2

Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 3

How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 4

How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 72-India’s Water Crisis – Every Drop Counts
  • The Big Picture Ep. 375-Interlinking Rivers – Tackling Water Scarcity
  • The Big Picture Ep. 136-Ensuring Water Security.

 

Question 5

How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • Bharata First Ep. 05-S400 Air Defence System
  • The Big Picture Ep. 512-India-Russia Annual Summit 2021
  • The Big Picture Ep. 400-India-Russia 2+2 dialogue
  • The Big Picture Ep. 392-US-Russia- New stand-off
  • The Big Picture Ep. 384-India-Russia Partnership
  • The Big Picture Ep. 198-India – Russia Defence Ties
  • The Big Picture Ep. 22-India-Russia Eternal Friendship.

 

Question 6

Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 7

Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards? (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 510-Poison in the Air.

 

Question 8

Discuss the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 9

Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 10

Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (Answer in 150 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 002-Cyber Attacks
  • The Big Picture Ep. 359-Cyber Security
  • The Big Picture Ep. 435-Global cyber security – India in top 10.

 

Question 11

Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V- shapes recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 385-India on track for stronger economic recovery
  • The Big Picture Ep. 330-V Shaped Recovery & Sensex’s Rise
  • The Big Picture Ep. 266-India’s Path to Economic Recovery.

 

Question 12

“Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 13

What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 30-World Food Day – Zero Hunger Challenge
  • The Big Picture Ep. 106-Fight against malnutrition
  • The Big Picture Ep. 512-Multidimensional Poverty.

 

Question 14

What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 15

What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 16

The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in the 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 17

Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India at this conference? (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 157-COP26 & India’s Climate Action Plan
  • The Big Picture Ep. 492-COP26 – Need for Climate Equity.

 

Question 18

Describe the various causes and effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 19

Analyse the multidimensıonal challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

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Question 20

Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (Answer in 250 words)

Importance of Mains Course

  • The Big Picture Ep. 121-BRICS: Focus on Terrorism.

 

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