UPSC Mains 2019 — All Papers & Questions

Highlight the Central Asian and Greco Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art.

The 1857 uprising was the culmination of the recurrent, big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate.

Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity.

Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. [150 Words, 10 Marks]

Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. [150 Words, 10 Marks]

Q.1) Do you think that the Constitution of India does not accept the principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balances’? Explain. (10)

Q.2) “The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. (10)

Q.3) What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence policymakers in India and how effective are these methods? (10)

Q.4) From the resolution of contentious issues regarding the distribution of legislative powers by the courts, the ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. (10)

Q.5) What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? (10)

Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.

Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.

How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production?

Elaborate the impact of the National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas.

How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?

What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.

What do you understand about the term public servant? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant.

Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications.

“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold constitutional morality?