UPSC Mains 2016 — All Papers & Questions

Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.

Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.

Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.

Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?

Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics?

To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note "Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir", temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.

"The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes." Discuss.

Exercise of CAG's powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government's policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.

Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Republic' in the 'Preamble'. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?

Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.

What are 'Smart Cities'? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for 'Smart Villages' in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.

Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why there is gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India.

Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. (150 words)

What do you understand by the terms 'governance', 'good governance' and 'ethical governance'? (150 words)

Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission. (150 words)

How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? (150 words)

Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches. (150 words)