UPSC Mains 2018 — All Papers & Questions

The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.

Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.

Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

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

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

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?

Why do you think committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.

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

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.

How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission in India?

How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

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

Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019.

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

What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest.

"The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost every thing, especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded." — Abraham Lincoln

State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance.

Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a healthcare scheme meant for senior citizens. The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following : (a) 60 years of age or above. (b) Belonging to a reserved community. (c) Family income of less than ₹ 1 lakh per annum. (d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be high to make a positive difference to the quality of life of the beneficiary. One day, an old couple visited Rakesh's office with their application. They have been the residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed with a rare condition that causes obstruction in the large intestine. As a consequence, he has severe abdominal pain frequently that prevents him from doing any physical labour. The couple have no children to support them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of ₹ 1 lakh. The couple fulfills all the criteria except criterion 'b'. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life. How should Rakesh respond to the situation ?

"Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding." – Mahatma Gandhi.

Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere

Management of Indian border disputes—a complex task

Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.

Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it.

A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both.