UPSC Mains 2013 — All Papers & Questions

Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.

Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.

Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian woman became the torch-bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.

Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.

"In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India." Elaborate.

The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention? [200 words]

Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. [200 words]

Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. [200 words]

“The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.” Discuss critically. [200 words]

Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss. [200 words]

With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications.

What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.

What is the meaning of the term ‘tax expenditure’? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government.

Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO.

What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels? Critically analyse the agricultural subsidy regime with reference to the distortions created by it.

What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? (150 words)

(a) What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (i) Integrity (ii) Perseverance (iii) Spirit of service (iv) Commitment (v) Courage of conviction (b) Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.

Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification. (150 words)

What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions? (150 words)

(a) What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience? (b) What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same.

Be the change you want to see in others — Gandhiji.

Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s success?

GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.

Science and Technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.