Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
1.How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi?
Discuss.2015
2. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a
common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. 2015
Explain briefly the main contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru
to the making of modern India (About 250 words). 30 (1979)
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Mahatma Gandhi wrote in 1928 to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: “the differences between you and me
appear to be so vast and radical that there seems to be no meeting ground between us.” State briefly
the difference in approach of Gandhiji and Pandit Nehru to the following two issues and indicate the
impact of their views on our Constitution and Government policy” (1980)
What was the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the eradication of untouchability and to what extent did he
influence the constitution and Government policy in this regard? What further steps should be taken to
wipe out untouchability (Not more than 200 words)? 25 (1981)
Point out clearly the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in the social and
cultural life of India (150 words)25
2. It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of d rafting the
Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the
Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. (2015)
What were the main feature of the Act of 1935? What was Jawaharlal Nehru's reaction to the Act? Why
did he contest the elections of 1937 and with what effect? (1990)
How did the Government of India Act, 1935 mark a point of no return in the history of constitutional
development in India? (2006)
3.Women issues
Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch- bearer during the
struggle for freedom in India. Discuss (200 words)(2013)
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Evaluate the influence of the three important women’s organizations of the early twentieth century i n
India on the Country’s society and politics. To what extent do you think were the social objectives of
these organizations constrained by their political objectives? (2011)
How did the movement for the liberation of women receive a great stimulus from the rise and growth of
the nationalist movement in India? (2001)
Trace the progress of the women's education from the early days of the British rule to the year 1947.
(1990)
Give an account of the legislative measures passed during 1856 − 1956 for the uplift of women (About
150 words)? (1988)
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What efforts have been made for the upliftment of women in Nineteenth Century till the present day
(1985)
Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth
century till independence. 10 (2014)
The economic policies followed by the British led to the transformation of India’s economy into a
colonial economy. They disrupted the traditional structure of Indian economy. Explain how this
happened with special reference to agriculture, rural employment and development of our industries.
(1981)
What do you understand about Drain of wealth during British rule? Examine its effects on Indian
economy. (1997)
5.Industrial revolution
Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there
during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present? 2015
“‘Latecomer’ Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that we re markedly different from
what West had experienced.” Analyze. (200 words) (2013)
6.Monsoon
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to
humanizing landscape? Discuss (2015)
“Monsoon is known to be the energy released by the sea” .Explain how does this energy helps the
entire economic system of the country. In what ways the country can be prepared to fight the
vagaries of the monsoon. (150 words) (1982)
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Discuss the distribution of winds and rainfall over India in the summer monsoon season. (2002)
Explain how the Himalayan and the Tibetan highlands play an important role in the development of
the South - West monsoon. (2007)
(In this document we have segregated questions that would come under GS paper! according to the new
syllabus. However, few topics such as agriculture and environment overlap with the geography section
which although comes under GS paper 3 but have been put with geography section for the purpose of
ease.)
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SYLLABUS OF GS PAPER 1
(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from
ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present
significant events, personalities, issues.
The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors or contributions from
different parts of the country.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world
wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like
communism, capitalism, socialism etc. - their forms and effect on the society.
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty
and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indi an
subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector
industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone
etc., geographical features and their location - changes in critical geographical features
(including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
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1979
1. Describe briefly the contribution of any seven of the following to the xxx and thought of modern India
(About 40 words each) 28
Vivekananda
Sri Aurobindo
Dayanand Saraswati
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Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Mirza Ghalib
Saroji Naidu
CV Raman
2. Explain the cultural importance of any six of the following places (About 50 words each) 30
Amritsar
Ajmer
Ajanta
Aligarh
Patna
Pune
Pondicherry
Goa
Santiniketan
Tanjore
3.Describe briefly the impact of any seven of the following on India (about 40 words each) 28
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Non-alignment
Leo Tolstoy
Karl Marx
4. Assess the success and failure of India education and indicate the desirable changes needed in the
present system (About 200 words).
5. Explain briefly the main contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal
Nehru to the making of modern India (About 250 words). 30
6. Describe the main contributions of Jai Prakash Narayan to Indian society and politics (About 200
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words). 30
7.Answer any two of the following in not more than 150 words each:
Why is there a concentration of jute mills along the Hoogly and chemical industries in Gujarat?
Explain briefly the important of the Beas Sutlej Link Project.
What are the current problems facing the Tarapur Atomic Power Project and what steps are being
considered to overcome them?
1980
1. The second half of the nineteenth century witnessed in India a strong wave of reformation in the
spheres of religion and society. What part was played in this directly or indirectly by Raja Ram Mohan
Roy, Keshab Chandra Sen and Just M. G. Rande (Not more than 200 words)? 25
2.Mahatma Gandhi wrote in 1928 to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: “the differences between you and me
appear to be so vast and radical that there seems to be no meeting ground between us.” State briefly
the difference in approach of Gandhiji and Pandit Nehru to the following two issues and indicate the
impact of their views on our Constitution and Government policy”
3.What were the main reasons for the decision of the British Government to leave India after
transferring power the “British India” and the ‘Rulers’ of Indian states (Not more than 150 words)?25
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4. Which are the classical dances of India? Where did they originate? Name one distinguished dance of
each school of classical dance. Are the measures adequate for promotion for such dances in India? What
further measures would you suggest for the promotion of classical dances (Not more than 150 words).
25
5.The most striking change in our social life today is the improved statures of women. Who and what
organisations helped their cause enabling them to attain that present status? What important
safeguards have been provided in the Constitution and the laws of the land for protection of women's
interests? In what directions are further legal measures for their protection called for (Not more than
200 words)?
6.Name the major international rivers flowing through India. What Countries/States are covered by the
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Ganga and the Godavari rivers on their course from their source to the sea?
7.What is Geothermal? Mention a few areas where we have located geothermal resources in India.
10.Name two major ports xxx in India's eastern and western sea coasts and the major exports/imports
through each of these ports.
1981
1.The Caste system and the practice of untouchability were major targets of attack from the social
reform movement, which grew in strength after the revolt of 1857. Indicate the main factors which
gradually undermined the caste system and brought into sharp focus the evils of untouchability.
2.What was the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the eradication of untouchability and to what extent did he
influence the constitution and Government policy in this regard? What further steps should be taken to
wipe out untouchability (Not more than 200 words)? 25
3.One of the outstanding achievements of the Government of independent India is the integration of
the former ‘Princely’ States with the Indian Union. How was this achieved? What important
forces/factors helped the Unification of India (Not more than 150 words)? 25
4.When was the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation between the Republic of India and the
Union of xxx Republic signed? What are the important xxx of the treaty and what is its duration? How
has the Treaty served India’s interests? Does it affect India’s position as a prominent members of the
Non-aligned Group of Nations (Not more than 150 words)? 25
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5.Answer the questions in which State/States of India are the following festivals celebrated by a large
number of people? 5
Baisakhi
Ratha Yatra
Bihu
Pongal
Onam
Bhangra
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Mohini Attam
Kathak
Bamboo dance
6.Indicate the states in which majority of people belonging to the following tribes beside: 5
Bhils
Gonds
Khasis
Santhals
7.Name a raga in Hindustani or Karnatik music which is xxx appropriate in the early hours of morning?
8.The most striking change in our social life today is the improved statures of women. Who and what
organisations helped their cause enabling them to attain that present status? What important
safeguards have been provided in the Constitution and the laws of the land for protection of women's
interests? In what directions are further legal measures for their protection called for (Not more than
200 words)? 2
9.Mention the distribution of steel plants in India, with foreign collaboration or assistance, if any. What
are the locational advantages enjoyed by each of these plant?
10.Bring out the findings of the 1981 Census in regard to the growth and variations in rates of growth of
population in different parts of the country. How do you account for population explosion during the
last three decades? What measures should be adopted for population control?
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11.What is shifting cultivation? Where in India has this been localized to? Consider its consequences and
examine the steps taken by Government of prevent this practice.
12.As the resources of land are getting depleted man his turning to sea the for the supply of his needs.
What are the prospects of sea exploration for obtaining our requirements of food, minerals and
chemicals, oil and gas?
13.Unlike most other parts of the country, why is the Tamil Nadu coast wettest in November-December
and not in July-August?
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1982
1.Explain briefly Mahatma. Gandhi's views on religion and its relation to politics. Were these
views shared by Shri Jawaharlal Nehru ?
2.What are the main factors which led to the partition of India in 1947? To what extent
Jawaharlal Nehru justified in writing as follows It ( Communalism) was our fault, of course and
we must suffer for our failing. But I cannot excuse or forgive British authorities for the
deliberate part they have played in creating disruptions in India
3.Who are following and what have been their contributions to the life and thought of India
a. Tyagraj
5.Possessing a tremendous. diversity of climate and physical conditions, India has a great variation of
fauna. What are main categories/species of Indian fauna? Name any three, which are unique in the
world. What steps are being taken to preserve them? Have those efforts been successful?
(Not more than 1 50 words)
6.“Monsoon is known to be the energy released by the sea” .Explain how does this energy helps the
entire economic system of the country. In what ways the country can be prepared to fight the vagari es
of the monsoon.(150 words)
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1983
1.Explain briefly how the ideas and experiments of Soviet Government in USSR influenced Poet
Rabindranath Nath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru. (
2.The economic policies followed by the British led to the transformation of India’s economy into a
colonial economy. They disrupted the traditional structure of Indian economy. Explain how this
happened with special reference to agriculture, rural employment and development of our industries.
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3.To which dynasty did the kings who built the temples at Khajuraho belong?To whom were the temples
dedicated.Name the temples that occupy pride of place there
b) Where did the following dances/songs originate?what are their usual themes?(Not more than two
references)
ii.Gidda
iii. chau
iv.baul
v. yakshgaan
c) Who are the following and why are they well known?
Mahadevi Verma
David Niven
M.F Hussain
4.In recent times bride burning has increased. Women are tortured for not bringing sufficient dowry.
Why such cases are rare amongst Muslims? What measures are being taken by the government to end
this pernicious system of dowry and bride burning? What further steps can be taken in your opinion.
5.Asian and Common wealth games have revealed that standard of sports and games are far below the
international standard .India did not get a single medal inninth Asiad in eight sports discipline including
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gymnastics.What steps have been taken or are being taken to encourage ssports and improve the
standard in the country ?
7.Why has Bombay longer sunshine afte office hours tha Kolkata
1984
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1.The nineteenth century is generally called a period of Indian Renaissance. Which were the
major social reform movements of this period and what changes did they bring about?
2.what was Cripps Mission? Why did its failure result in Quit India Movement? Mention briefly
he major development after this movement leading to Independence in 1947.
3.Point out clearly the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in the social
and cultural life of India (150 words)25
Kucchipudi
Kathakali
Manipuri
Kathak
INA
6.Who are the following and why are theyso well known? (Not more than two sentences each
Dr.Priti Patel
Dr. S. Chandrashekhar
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George Yule
Raja Ramanna
Om Puri
Sabarmati
Konark
Chari Chaura
Kanyakumari
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8.Name the main physiographic divisions of India and give the salient features of each division.
10.Soil erosion is one of the most crucial problems in India and offers the most frightening for
the xxx years. Describe the various kinds of soil erosion and steps which may be taken for the
protection of land and soil.
1985
1.Discuss briefly the basic aims with which the Indian National Congress was founded. when and under
what circumstances did it decide to have complete independence (Purna Swaraj) from the British as its
goal?(200 words)
2.Both Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were interested in India’s economic development,but
there were some basic differences in their approaches to this proble m.Point out clearly those basic
differences.
3.(a) When and where was the LAlit Kala academy was founded? What are its main functions ?(100
words)
b.Where are the following places and why are they so well known
Nalanda
Ellora
Ajmer
Mahabalipuram
Wardha
4.What are the differences between Mughal style of painting and Rajput style of painting (50 words)
5.Point out the the chief characteristics of the structures of any of the following
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Temples of Khajuraho
Victoria memorial
Taj Mahal
6.What efforts have been made to develop the theatre in India. Name any two person associated with
the development of this art.
7.What do you understand with ‘New Wave’ of Cinema. Name three films and three directors of this
type of films
8.What are the main contributions of the following in the enrichment of Indian Music (not more than
two sentences each)
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Amir Khusro
Tansen
Thyagraja
Ravi Shankar
Dandi Ras
Surisini
Bhangra
Mauni
Karaga
9.What efforts have been made for the upliftment of women in Ninetenth Century till the present day
10.Where do we find large dessert areas in India?What steps have been taken by the Government for
their development?
11.What measures have been taken by the Government of India to develop our own sources for the
supply petroleum crude ? Discuss the measure of success achieved in this regard.
12.Why are floods such a recurrent feature in lndia ?Discuss the measures taken by the Government for
flood prone area?
13.What are the important wheat growing region in India, and why are we now growing enough wheat
in India to meet our own demand for it?
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1986
1.What were the attitudes of the moderates and Extremists towards the freedom movement of India?
What led to their show down in Surat(1907)( 100 words)
2.Whta were the effects of non violent non cooperation Movement in India ?When was the movement
recalled and why? (200 words)35
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3.aWhat were the basic differences between Nehru’s Internationalism and Tagore’s Internationalism?
Why was Tagore called 'a spiritual ambassador' ?(150 words)25
b) Who were the following and why were they so well known
Bhulabhai Desai
Jyotiba Phule
V.D.Savarkar
Rasbehari Ghose
Suddhi movement
Where are the following located and why are they so well known
Amravati
Halebid
Kalakshetra
Rakabganj
Namchi Bajar
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5.Explain briefly the nature and activities of either Theosophical Society of India or Servants of India
Society(50 words each)
5..List major areas of wasteland in India. Discuss on the prospects of Wsateland development ,briefly
explaining it impact on the food, fodder and fuel supply.
6..What is white revolution? Discuss the different aspects which have helped to bring green revolution
in India
7..What are laterite soils?Where do we find these types of soil?Explain their problem and most suitable
use ?
8.How would you measure the industries related to climate in a country?Out of last three years when
did we have the best climate?
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9.Where do Todas and Santhals live in India
1987
1. Discuss the major social reform movements of the second half of the 19th century. In what way did
they contribute to the rise and growth of Indian National Movement (Not more than 200 words)(35)
2. Despite the fact that Muslims and Hindus fought together against the British in the Revolt of 1857, a
separatist movement started soon after, resulting into the partition of India. In the light of this
statement, review briefly the origin and development of Muslim Separatist Movement culminating into
the creation of Pakistan in 1947 (Not more than 200 words). (35)
3. Answer the following questions Explain briefly the importance of the following: (About 30 words for
each) (10 × 3 = 30)
Chadar Party
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4. Who were the following and why are they so well-known (Not more than two sentences for each)?
(10)
M R Jaykar
K Kamraj
M N Roy
5. Where are the following and why are they so well-known (Not more than two sentences for each)?
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(10)
Pushkar
Kushinagar
Tirupati
Somnath
Madurai
7. What were the new elements introduced by the Muslim rulers in the development of Indian
architecture (About 50 words)? (10)
8. Who made the first feature film in India? What was its name, and when was it made (5)?
Yatra
Tamasha
Kuttiyatam
Bhavai
Nautanki
10. What is the significance of Kumbh fair? Where are they held (5)?
11. What is the contribution of the following to the cultural life of India (One sentence for each)? (10)
Ramanuj
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Amrita Shergill
Ram KinkerVaij
Sanyukta Panigrahi
12. Relation between Religion and Politics has been a subject of controversy since long. What are the
views of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru of this issue (Not more than 130 words)? (25)
13. Who wrote our National Anthem? When, where and on what occasion was it sung for the first time?
When was it accepted as our National Anthem (10)?
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14.Identify and explain the significance of the following: (Two sentences for each) (15) Dakshin Gangotri
Kahuta
Sahara Wall
15.Where is the strait of Hormuz? What is its importance? Why has it been in the flews (5)?
16.What is under-water archaeology? What important findings have been made in Indian coastal waters
recently?
17.Recently oil and gas have been discovered at a number of pl aces in the 6odavari-Krishna delta region.
Name three locations where these deposits are found.
1988
1. What were the motives which led to the partition of Bengal? What were its consequences? Why was
it annulled (About 250 words)? (35)
2. Analyse Mahatma Gandhi’s main demands presented to Irwin. How did Salt emerge as the central
issue for launching the Satyagraha (About 100 words)? (15)
3. What was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact? Why was it signed and what were its consequences (About 150
words)? (20)
4. Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Basic Education. How did Tagore differ from it (About 150
words)? (20)
5. Explain Nehru’s main theme in his Discovery of India (About 100 words). (10)
6. Describe Nehru’s attitude towards Russia in the pre-1947 period (About 50 words). (5).
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7. Give an account of the legislative measures passed during 1856 − 1956 for the uplift of women (About
150 words)? (15)
8. What are the main forms of classical dance in India? Indicate two features of each (About 50 words).
(10)
9. Explain the contributions of the following to the social life of India: (One sentence for each) (10) Ela
Bhatt
M. G. Ranade
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Narayana Guru
Birsa Munda
Baba Amte
Malati Devi
Chowdhury
Dr. ZakirHussain
C. N. Annadurai
10. Where are the following located and why are they well-known (Two sentences on each)? (10)
Dakshinesvara
Bharukachchha
Pragjyotish
Deorala J
Jehanabad
11.Explain the significance of the following in the socio-religious context: (About 50 words for each) (15)
The Alavar Saints
Faraizi Movement
Kuka Movement
Evaluate the chief characteristics of any two of the following: (About 50 words for each) (10)
Chola architecture
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12. What are black soils? Give their distribution in India and explain their uses and problems.
13.Mention any three tribal areas in India. What are the main components of the Government's tribal
development programme?
1989
1. Why did Gandhiji launch the Non-violent Non-cooperation Movement on the Khilafat question? How
were other issues Joined to it later on? Discuss the constructive programme of the Noncooperation
Movement.
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OR
What was the Cabinet Mission Plan? How was the ‘grouping clause’ fundamental to it? What was its
impact on the attitude of the Congress and the League (About 250 words)? (30)
2. Answer any two of the following: (About 150 words each) (15 × 2 = 30)
a. ‘The recruitment of Indians to Civil Services was the most important question in the last quarter of the
nineteenth century.’ Explain.
c. How did the Socialist thinking of Nehru and other leaders influence the Congress before 1942?
d. How did Patel succeed in avoiding the evil consequences of the doctrine of lapse of paramountcy and
in integrating Indian States?
3.Answer any three of the following: (About 50 words each) (10 × 3 = 30)
a. Analyse briefly the contribution of religious reform movements to the growth of extremist nationalist
movement.
b. ‘The trial of the INA officers did more harm than good to the British Rule in India.’ Explain.
4. Answer the following questions Write about the chief characteristics of the following: (Two sentences
on each) (2 × 15 = 30)
Carnatic music
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Subraharnania Sharati
M A Ansari
Chapekar Brothers
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Khudiram Bose
What is Sardar Sarovar Project? What is the nature of the controversy surrounding it?
7.Water-conservation has assumed an urgency particularly in drought prone areas. What are the
methods available for controlling water evaporation from large surfaces (e. g. Ponds and tanks) an d
improving the water-holding capacity of the soil?
8.What is meant by population explosion? Has it occurred in India.
9.Which part of India has developed comparatively more marine-based industries and why?
10.Name the minerals used in generating nuclear energy and the places where they are found in
India.
11.What geopolitical and economic advantages are enjoyed by India due to its location in the southern
part of the Continent of Asia?
1990
1.Trace the origin of the Swaraj Party. What was the manifesto or the Swaraj Party? What were the
Swarajists demands and the reactions of the British (35)?
OR
What was the attitude of the Indian National Congress towards the Second World War?
2.What was the August Offer? What were the factors that led the British to change its negative policy
and send Cripps to India (About 250 words)?
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3. Answer any two of the following: (About 150 words each) (15 × 2 = 30)
a.What was Mahatama Gandhi's concepts of Socialism? How did it differ from Mandan socialism.
b.What were the main feature of the Act of 1935? What was Jawaharlal Nehru's reaction to the Act?
Why did he contest the elections of 1937 and with what effect?
c.Trace the progress of the women's education from the early days of the British rule to the year 1947.
4. Answer any three of the following: (About 50 words each) (10 × 3 = 30)
a.How did Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak champion the cause of militant nationalism in India?
b.‘If Aurobindo was the high priest, Rabindranath, was the great poet of the Swade sh Movement.’
Elucidate.
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c.Give a critical account of the Ramakrishna Mission with special reference to the role played by Swami
Vivekananda.
d. When and why did the revolt of the ratings of the Royal Indian Navy take place? Why did they
suspend the movement? What were the attitudes of Gandhi and Patel towards the movement?
i.Write about the chief characteristics of the following: (About 20 words on each) (2 × 15 = 30)
a.Classical Music
b.Bharat Natyam
c.Shab-i-Barat
a.Farazi Movement
b.Suddhi Movement
iii.Where are the following located and why have they been in the news?
a.Gajraula
b.Tin Bigha
c.Zambia
a.Kunwar Singh
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b.S H Slocum
d.K M Munshi
e.MuzaffarAhmed
6.What are the major recommendations of the National Perspective Plan for women, 1988 and what are
the relevant recommendations as envisaged in the Constitutional Amendment Bill (64th Amendment)?
7.What is the need for soil conservation. What are the major measures taken by the Government
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towards conserving soil in India?
1991
1. Narrate the last phase of the India’s freedom movement especially from the beginning of 1947 till the
attainment of Independence (35).
OR
Discuss the growth of revolutionary terrorism with special reference to its ramifications in Maharashtra,
Bengal and Punjab till the first decade of the twentieth century (About 250 words).
a. What was Harijan Movement? Why and with what effect did Gandhi launch individual Satyagraha?
b. ‘I am convinced that the only key to the solution of the world’s problems and of India’s problems lies
in socialism. I see no way of ending the poverty, the vast unemployment, the degradation and the
subjection of the Indian people except through socialism.’ In what way did Nehru succeed in achiev ing
the objectives through national planning?
c. Trace the growth and development of University education till 1919 (About 150 words each).
3. Answer any three of the following: (About 50 words each) (10 × 3 = 30)
a. ‘Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s versatile career went through various phases.’ State briefly the various
facets of his life.
c. Discuss the role of the Theosophical Society in the history of religious movement in India.
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d. State the various regulations imposed by the British Government to curtail the freedom of the press.
4. Answer any three of the following: (About 20 words on each) (10 × 3 = 30)
Manipur dance
Baisakhi
Janmashtami
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Swadeshi Movement
Khilafat Movement
Namdhari Movement
S A Dange
C. Sankaran Nair
Titu Mir
Theodore Beck
Edwin Lutyens
7.Where is Antarctica and what is there so special about It? What do you know of any ban on
exploration in Antarctica?
8.Explain the factors affecting the distribution of population in India, bringing out the variation in
density over space. Account for the varied environmental problems resulting from wide spread
deforestation in both Aravallis and Himalayan regions.
9.What is the basis of monsoon forecasts now prepared by the Indian Meteorological Department,
which have been reasonably correct for the last three successive years?
10.Name the main offshore oil field of India and the agency which operates it.
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1992
1. ‘The Viceroyalties of Lord Lytton and Lord Ripon formed an important landmark in the history of the
Indian National Movement.’ Examine the truth of the statement (35).
OR
How far was the Swadeshi Movement inked with Boycott? Analyse the nature of mass participation in
the Movement (About 250 words).
2. Answer any two of the following: (About 150 words) (15 × 2 = 30)
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a. Analyse Jawaharlal Nehru’s views on Independence and Dominion Status. How far were these
reflected in the policy enunciated by the Lahore Congress?
b. Why did Mahatma Gandhi launch Civil Disobedience Movement? Analyse the intensity of the
movement in different parts of India.
c. ‘The railways did in India what they did elsewhere, they hastened the transition from handicraft to
mechanical industry by transforming the transport situation.’ Discuss.
3. Answer any three of the following: (About 50 words each) (10 × 3 = 30)
a. Write a short history of the Local Self-Government till the Reforms of 1919.
b. How far the labour legislations of the British Government were meant to ameliorate the condition of
the working class.
c. What were the contributions of the Arya Samaj to social and religious movements of India?
d. Discuss Tagore’s concept on education. How far was it a departure from conventional system of
education?
4. Write about the chief features of the following (2 × 15 = 30)
Sunga art
Kathakali
Ram Navami
5. What do you know about the following movements (About 20 words on each)?
Wahabi Movement
Indigo Movement
M A Ansari
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Page 24
R C Joshi
Indulal Yagnik
Nandlal Bose
(Question from geography in this year will come under GS paper 3 and will put under that)
1993
1. Mahatma Gandhi’s succession, during 1916 − 20, in getting the technique of non-violent satyagraha
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accepted by the nation as a weapon of struggle against the British was phenomenal Elucidate (35).
OR
Why was Bengal partitioned in 1905? How did ft lead to the growth of extremist and terrorist schools of
nationahsm? Why was it annulled and with what consequences (About 250 words)?
b. What was the Macdonald Award? How was it modified and with what results?
c. Analyse the main differences between the approaches of Tilak and Gokhale on social and political
issues (About 150 words each).
a. What were the basic differences between the conservative and the liberal schools of administrators in
the latter half of the 19th century?
b. The Minto-Morley Reforms did not and could not provide an answer to Indian problems. Explain.
c. The Lucknow Pack of 1916 was signed without regard for its consequences. Elucidate.
4. Write about the chief feature of the following: (About 20 words on each) (2 × 15 = 30)
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Page 25
Sikander-Jinnah Pact
6. Why did the following places become famous during the freedom struggle?
Dandi
Haripura
Surat
Bardoli
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C Ilbert
John Simon
Ramsay Macdonald
Wavell
Which parts of India are described as ‘arid zones’ Comment on the characteristics and economic
activities prevalent in these regions?
1994
1. How did the outbreak of the Second World War affect India’s political scene? Did the Cripps Mission
resolve the political crisis in India (about 250 words)? (35)
OR
Trace the emergence of Gandhiji in Indian political scene till the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917. What
was the basic philosophy of Satyagraha enunciated by him (About 250 words)?
a. Discuss the outstanding Tribal uprisings against the British rule during the nineteenth century. What is
meant by ‘un-British’ rule in India? How did the Indian nationalists react agai nst it?
b. Evaluate the role of Dadabhai Naoroji in exposing the evils of British rule in India.
c. Discuss the British policy towards Tibet from the end of the nineteenth century to the Viceroyalty of
Lord Curzon (About 150 words each).
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Page 26
a. What were the contributions of the Moderates in the formative stage of the Indian National
Congress?
b. Explain the part played by Annie Besant in the Home Rule Movement.
c. In what way did the international events in the late twenties of the present century influence
Jawaharlal Nehru’s radical views?
d. Why did Tagore emphasize on the primacy of the social over the political order (About 75 words
each)?
4. Write about the chief features of the following: (About 20 words on each) (2 × 15 = 30)
Dev Devali
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Gandhara School of Art
Indian Ballet
Satyashodak Movement
Khilafat Movement
6. Where are the following located and what are they famous for?
Lothal
Lumbini
Vailanlenni
N G Ranga
C Y Chintamani
Narendra Dev
M R Jayakar
8.What are the major recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee's Draft National Population
Policy, relating to gender issues?
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Page 27
9.Why are the soils of Malwa in Madhya Pradesh black while those of Karnataka red? Discuss the
relative fertility of these soils.
10.Which part of India receives more rainfall from the northeast monsoon than from the southwest
monsoon? Explain why it is so?
1995
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1. Do you think that the Partition of India was inevitable? Discuss the attitudes of Mahatma Gandhi,
Pandit Nehru and Maulana Azad towards the crucial question of Partition (35).
OR
In what way did the Civil Disobedience Movement affect the different provinces of India? How did it
foster peasant movement in India (About 250 words)?
2. Answer any two of the following (About 150 words each) (15 × 2 = 30)
a. When was the system of open competitive examination in the Indian Civil Service introduced. Analyse
the growth of the Indian Civil Service till the passing of the Government of India Act, 1919.
b. Discuss the various aspects of social legislation introduced by the East India Company in the first half
of the nineteenth century.
c. Trace the emergence of Indian nationalism till the foundation of the Indian National Congress.
3. Answer any three of the following (About 75 words each): (10 × 3 = 30)
a. How did the British illustrate Lord Canning’s policy in treating the Indian Princes as ‘Breakwaters in the
storm’
b. Assess the growth and development of Technical Education during the British rule.
c. ‘Swami Vivekanande might well be called the father of Indian nationalism.’ Elucidate.
d. How far was Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s concept of religion wedded to his love of nature?
Shab-i-Barat
Ganesh Chaturthi
Dravidian architecture
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Page 28
Aligarh Movement
Shuddhi Movement
Brahmo Movement
Bhai Parmanand
Dr. Satyapal
George Yule
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N C Kelkar
C F Andrews (2 × 15 = 30)
7.What have been the recent recommendations of the World Bank on India's Family Welfare
programme? How do these recommendations compare with those which emerged from the Cairo
Conference on Population and Development in 1994?
8.Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20)
10.Why have the rivers of the peninsular India well-defined rigid channels in sharp contrast to the
Himalayan rivers?
12.What is drip irrigation? Why is it considered the most efficient method of irrigation?
1996
1. What were the reasons that changed Gandhiji’s attitude of responsive cooperation to non -
cooperation in 1920? What were its consequences (35)?
OR
The policies of the British Indian Government during 1858 − 1905 were aimed at preventing another
revolt of the masses. Elucidate (About 250 words).
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Page 29
a. Bengal was partitioned in 1905 not for administrative reasons but for political purposes. Elucidate.
c. What was the Macdonald Award? How was it modified (About 150 words each)?
a. What was Tilak’s contribution towards shaping the course of the nationalist movement in India?
c. What was the role of the states people’s movement in the integration of Indian states?
d. Tagore’s emphasis on internationalism and humanism was ahead of his times. Explain (About 75
words each).
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4. Write about the chief features of the following (2 × 15 = 30)
Ahmadiya Movement
Mahayan Buddhism
Haripura
Chauri chaura
Bardoli
Dandi
C Rajagopalachari
A O Hume
Birsa Munda
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Page 30
8.Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (15 + 15)
Mention the advantages which India enjoys being at the head of the Indian Ocean.
What is shifting cultivation? Describe its salient characteristics with reference to India?
What is ozone hole? How is it formed and what effect does it have on the earth?
1997
xaam.in
1. How did Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeed in avoiding the evil consequences of the doctrine of lapse
of paramountcy and in integrating Indian States?
OR
Examine the causes and nature of extremism in Indian politics in the early part of the present century
(About 250 words).
b. Discuss Mahatama Gandhi’s concept of ‘Basic Education’ How far was it a departure from
conventional system of education?
c. What were the circumstances that led to the partition of India in 1947 (About 250 words on each)?
a. What do you understand about Drain of wealth during British rule? Examine its effects on Indian
economy.
b. The name of Raja Ram Mohan Roy stands foremost in the field of religious and social reform s.
Elucidate.
c. The Preamble to the Constitution is aimed to embody the fundamental values and the philosophy on
which the Constitution is based Elucidate.
d. What are the provisions regarding the protection of Linguistic minorities in the Constitution? A nswer
the following questions
Chaitya
Vijayanagara
Yaksha Gana
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Page 31
Khayal
Rowlatt Act
6. Where are the following located and with which event are they associated?
Surat
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Vaikom
Midnapur
Shymji Krishnavarma
Rani Gaidinliu
Saifuddin Kitchlew
8.Answer any two of the following: (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words)
What measures has the Government of India taken for the development of Tribal areas in India?
Why is there a demand for making Uttarakhand a Separate Hill State in India?
Why has the Narmada River Valley Project attracted the attention of the common people?
1998
1. Did Jawaharlal Nehru really ‘speak’ the ‘language’ of Gandhi? Locate the points of their agreements
and departures.
Or
How did economic nationalism mirror the work of the early nationalist leadership in India (About 250
words)? 35
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a. Why did the moderates lose appeal with the Indians and failed to elicit desired response from the
British?
b. How did the Policy of free trade hurt Indian textile industry and crafts in the latter half of the 19th
century?
c. Trace the origins of the R. N. I. Mutiny and evaluate its impact on the political situation in India.
b. How did the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal influence the nationalist politics?
c. What was the significance of the Prajamandal movements in the Indian States in the decade
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preceding India’s independence?
d. Assess the role of C Rajagopalachari during the pre-partition years of Indian public life.
Nil Darpan
Sarda Sadan
Sabarmati Ashram
Hunter Commission
Bandi Jiwan
S Satyamurti
Udham Singh
Sarojini Naidu
Kulu School
Gopuram
Wahabi Movement B
Communal Award
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Page 33
6.How do the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep differ in the geological ecvolution and
topographical conditions?
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1999
1. How did Communalism manifest in Indian political scene? Explain the background of the passing of
the momentous Pakistan Resolution.
OR
What were the proposals of the Cabinet Mission? Analyse there actions of the Congress and the League
to the proposals (About 250 words). 35
a. Trace the formation of the Swaraj Party. What were its demands.
b. ‘What began as a flight for religion ended as a war of independence, for there is not the slightest
doubt that the rebels wanted to get rid of the alien government and restore the old order of which the
king of Delhi was the rightful representative.’ Do you support this viewpoint?
c. How far Curzon’s policy towards Tibet was influenced by strategic consideration. 15 × 2 = 30
b. In what way did Ramakrishna infuse a new vigour and dynamism into Hinduism?
d. How did Nehru’s plan for modernization make rapid stride during the decade 1951 − 61? 10 × 3 = 30
4. Write about the chief features of the following: (About 20 words on each)
Chola architecture
Baisakhi
Neo-art movement
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Page 34
Munda Movement
Ilbert Bill
Sarda Act
Rammanohar Lohia
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C. Y. Chintamani
Henry Cotton
Veeresalingam P. K.
Bhulabhai Desai
Kamladevi Chattopadhyay 2 × 15 = 30
7.Answer any TWO of the following: 15 + 15 = 30 (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words):
b.What is dry farming? Discuss its relevance in augmenting the food supply in India.
c.Name the mega cities of India and mention their specific problems.
2000
1. Answer any ONE of the following (About 250 words): 30
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Page 35
a. Trace the origin of the Swadeshi Movement. How did it involve the masses
b. What was Mountbatten Plan? Discuss the reactions of Gandhi and Azad to the Plan.
b. How did the terrorist movement gather strength in countries other than India?
c. Was Jawaharlal Nehru justified in adopting the principle of non-alignment as the corner-stone of
India’s foreign policy?
Brahmagupta
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Amir Khusro
William Jones
C F Andrews
Narayan Guru
Tantia Tope
Sayyid Ahmad
Margaret Noble
Sangam Literature
Granth Sahib
Fort William
College Epsom
What is waste land? Write a note on prospects of waste land development in India.
Nagarjunasagar Project
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Page 36
Mango Showers
2001
a. Discuss the main objectives of the Indian national movement up to 1905.What were its basic
weaknesses during this period?
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b. What administrative changes were introduced in India after 1858? What were the obje ctives of these
changes?
2. Answer any two of the following (About 150 words each): (2 × 15 = 30)
a. How did the movement for the liberation of women receive a great stimulus from the rise and growth
of the nationalist movement in India?
b. Discuss the aims and objects of the Khilafat Movement. To what extent was it successful?
c. Why did Gandhi launch the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and with what results?
Aryabhatta
D K Karve
J Krishnamurthy
Prarthana Samaj
Ghadar Party
Satyashodhak Samaj
Jamnalal Bajaj
Banabhatta
Gopi Kishna
Pupul Jaykar
Mohammad Iqbal
Jaydeva
T Prakasam
Champaran Satyagraha
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Page 37
All Brothers
Geography
Answer any two of the following (About 125 words each) 2 × 10 = 20
(a) What are mangroves and in what way are they useful to us ?
(b) Explain the causes of the Indian Monsoon.
(c) Had there been no Himalayas, what would have been the winter climate in north India?
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(iii) Glacier
(iv) Two prominent left bank tributaries of river Ganges
(v) Equinox
(a) Review the population policy of the Govt. of India giving the distinguishing features.
(b)
2002
a. What was the Butler Committee Report? Discuss the reactions on the report in India
b. Evaluate the attitudes of different political parties towards Quit India Movement.
Anandmath
Bismillah Khan
Chris Evert
Chamber of Princes
Dharma Sabha
Divide et impera
Dandi March
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Page 38
Nivedita
Raidasa
Satyagraha
Steffi Graf
Theodore Beck
Geography
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(a) Give an account of the tea plantations of Assam and West Bengal and state the economic
significance of these plantations.
(b) Discuss the distribution of winds and rainfall over India in the summer monsoon season.
(c) Define the concept of ‘growth centres’ and evaluate its relevance in regional planning in
India.
Write short notes on the following (about 20 words each): 5 × 2 = 10
(i) Name of main petroleum producing areas in India
(ii) Jhum cultivation - process and consequences
(iii) Kaziranga National Park
(iv) Census definition of urban places
(v) Khetri Copper Project
Outline the main targets fixed in the National Population Policy 2000. What have been the follow up
measures to this policy ? 30
2003
1. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words) 30 Marks
a. The reforms of 1909 introduced a cardinal problem and ground of controversy at every revision of the
Indian electoral system. Comment.
b. Discuss the problem that impeded the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. How
were these problems tackled?
a. ‘The mainstay of Mahatma Gandhi’s movements was the rural India.’ Elucidate.
b. Discuss the character of major tribal uprisings in British India in the nineteenth Century.
c. Bring out the ideological basis of the Moderate-Extermist divide in the Indian National Congress.
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Page 39
Arthasastra
Saranath Pillar
Punnapra-Vayalar
Sajjad Zahir
Al-Hilal
Har Dayal
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Khudai Khidmatgar
Mahayana Cult
W W Hunter
Achhut Patwardhan
James Wilson
Ghulam-giri.
Geography
2004
1.Answer anyone of the following (in about 250 words): 30
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Page 40
a. Discuss the major regulations enacted by the British rulers to curb the freedom of Press in India.
2. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 2 × 15 = 30
Upanishads
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Vajrayana
Kumarsambhav
Razmnama
Mirza Haidar
Muhammad Barkatullah
Alluri Sitaramaraju
Jadong
Jadunath Sarkar
Nazir Hasan
Subhash Gupte
Acharya Nirmalya
Jyotirao Phule
4. Answer any two of the following (in about 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
(a) Examine the distribution of oil refineries in India.
(b) Why are the Aravallis called a divide between Mewar and Marwar ?
(c) What is Golden Quadrilateral ? How will it help in the economic development of the country ?
5. Write short notes on the following (in about 20 words each): 5 × 2 = 10
(a) El Nino, La Nina and monsoon rains
(b) The Sambhar lake
(c) The Sundarbans
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Page 41
2005
1. Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words): 30
a. What in your opinion were the positive steps taken by the British to modernise India?
b. Examine the policy of Subordinate Union towards Princely States. Account for the shift from the policy
of Subordinate Isolation.
2, Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
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a. ‘In the Montagu-Chelmsford Report communal representation and reservations were not only
retained but considerably extended.’ Comment.
c. Why and how did the Congress come to accept the partition of the country?
Yajnavalkya
Smriti
Sutta Pitaka
Bhagawati Sutra
Gangaikonda-ChoJapuram
Nizamuddin Auliya
Raidas
Calcutta tvladrasa
Jagat Seth
Bhawani Mandir
Pandita Ramabai
Moplah Rebellion
Tavernier
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Page 42
Darul-Uloom
Answer any two of the following (in about 125 words each): 10 × 2 = 20
(a) What are the resource bases available for the economic development of the newly created
States of Jharkhand and Uttaranchal?
(b) Elucidate the factors contributing to the growing need for water harvesting in India, both rural and
urban.
(c) “Political boundaries and regional boundaries need to be co-terminus.:” Do you agree ?
Write notes on the following (in about 20 words each): 2 × 5 = 10
(a) Regurs
(b) Karewas
(c) Negative impacts of shifting cultivation
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(d) Causes of droughts in India
(e) Significance of Lake Chilka
2006
1. Answer anyone of the following (in about 250 words): 30
a. Regardless of distance in time, there were lots of similarities between Lord Curzon and Jawahar Lal
Nehru. Discuss.
b. How did the Government of India Act, 1935 mark a point of no return in the history of constitu tional
development in India?
2. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 2 × 15 = 30
a. What was the attitude of Indian industrialists towards the Indian National Congress in the pre -
independent era?
Kalhana
Panini
Yakshagana
Natyasastra
Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
Madhura
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Page 43
Vijayam
Pandurang
Mahatmya
Prithviraj Raso
“The Insider”
Aruna Roy
Dr. JC Daniel
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Balwant Gargi
Geography
2007
1. Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words): 30
a. What was the character of social religious reforms in the 19th Century and how did they contribute to
the national awakening in India?
b. The crisis of the colonial order during 1919 and 1939 was directly linked to the constitutional reforms,
disillusionment and militant anti-colonial struggles. Elucidate.
2. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
a. What are the salient features of the Government of India Acts of 1858 and 1909?
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Page 44
b. Do you think Mahatma Gandhi’s support to Khilafat Movement had diluted his secular credentials?
Give your argument based on the assessment of events.
c. Evaluate the contribution of revolutionary terrorism represented by Bhagat Singh to the cause of
India’s Struggle of independence.
Bhakti
Ashtadhyayi of Panini
Charvakas
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Ajivikas
Gandhara Art
Mlechchas
Lingayats
Megasthenes
R C Dutt
Nagarjunakonda
Pastoralism
Rudramadevi
Sati
Ramanuja
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 125 words each) : 10 × 2 = 20
(a) Explain how the Himalayan and the Tibetan highlands play an important role in the development of
the South - West monsoon.
(b) Technological changes have brought in a major shift in the use of roads as transport corridors in
India. How far do you agree with this view ?
(c) Explain the nature and causes of growing slum problems in the metropolitan cities of India.
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2008
1. Answer any two of the following ( in about 150 words each) : 15×2=30
(a) “The emergence of new social Classes in British India was the direct consequence of the
establishment of new social economy, new state system, administrative machinery and Western
education.” Discuss.
(b) “British vision of India had no single coherent set of ideas. On the contrary, the ideas were shot
through with contradictions and inconsistencies.” Discuss.
(c) “Non-Cooperation Movement gave new direction and energy to the National Movement.” Explain.
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2. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each): 2×15=30
(f) Bodhisattva
(g) Megasthenes
Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each) : 15 × 2 = 30
(a) The winter rains in North India are largely related to Jet Streams and Western Disturbances. Bring out
the relationship.
(b) Agricultural Productivity in India remain low. Explain the reasons for this situation.
(c) Bring out the pros and cons of Special Economic Zones.
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2009
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1. Critically analyze any two of the following statements with reference to the context in which they
were made (in about 150 words each) 15 × 2 = 30
a. Many Englishmen honesty consider themselves the trustees for India and yet to what a condition they
have reduced our country.
b. The Foreign power will be withdrawn but for me real freedom will come only when we free ourselves
of the dominance of western education, western culture and western way of living which have been
ingrained in us.
c. Satan cannot enter till he finds a flaw. A great ocean separate us educated few from the millions in
our country.
2. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each)
King Nongbah
Maski
Govind Guru
‘Brahmadeya’ ‘
Egmore Faction’
Haileybury College
Ijara System
Taji Mideren
‘Marumakkathayam’
Answer any four of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 4 = 60
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Page 47
(a) Assess the significance of coastal regions in the economic development in India.
(b) Discuss the wetlands and their role in ecological conservation in India.
(c) Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for regionally differentiated approach to increase crop
production and diversification in the country.
(d) Bring out the significance of the various activities of the Indian Meteorological Department.
(e) Examine the status of urbanization among the states in India and bring out spatial inequalities.
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(e) BSUP Scheme
(f) GAGAN Project
(g) Fruit Production in India
(h) Section 377 of IPC
(i) ‘Whereabouts’ clause of WADA
(j) Barren Island
2010
1.“Dalhousie’s predecessors had acted on the general principles of avoiding annexations, if these could
be avoided.Dalhousie acted on the principles of annexation, if he could do so legitimately. His
annexations were both of war and peace.” Analyse.
2. While bringing but their salient features,distinguish between either ‘Madhubani’ Art and TVTanjusha’
Art or ‘Rajasthani’ schools of painting
and the ‘Pahari’ school of painting.
(a) While bringing out their salient features, distinguish between either ‘Madhubani’ Art and ‘Manjusha’
Art or ‘Rajasthani’ schools of painting and the ‘Pahari’ school of Painting.
(b) Bring out the powers and responsibilities attached to the office of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
(c) Distinguish between the following four literary awards:
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Page 48
List the significant local storms of the hot-weather season .F in the country and bring out their socio-
economic impact.
Write brief but precise notes on any SIX of the following. Your answer should not exceed 50 words in
each case. 5 × 6 = 30
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(a) Transhumance in India
(b) Frontogenesis and Frontolysis
(c) Golden Revolution
(d) Sea-floor spreading
(e) Legislative powers assigned to the Rajya Sabha under Art. 249 and Art. 312 of the Constitution (polity)
(f) Causes for dominant dendritic pattern of drainage in the Gangetic plains
(g) ‘Break-of-bulk” towns
2011
1. Answer one of the following in about 250 words: 20
a. Trace the salient sequence of events in the popular revolt that took place in February 1946 in the
then, ‘Royal Indian Navy’ and bring out its significance in the freedom struggle. Do you agree with the
view that the sailors who took part in this revolt were some of the unsung heroes of the freedom
struggle?
b. Evaluate the influence of the three important women’s organizations of the early twentieth century in
India on the Country’s society and politics. To what extent do you think were the social objectives of
these organizations constrained by their political objectives?
2. In the context of the freedom struggle, write short notes (not exceeding 50 words each) on the
following: 5 × 3 = 15
‘Benoy-Badal-Dinesh’ martyrdom
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Page 49
a. Distinguish either between the ‘Moatsu’ and ‘Yemshe’ festivals of Nagaland or the ‘Losar’ and ‘Khan’
festivals of Arunachal Pradesh.
b. Write a sentence each on any five of the following traditional theatre forms:
Bhand Pather
Swang
Maach
Bhaona
Mudiyettu
Dashavatar
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c. What are the major different styles of unglazed pottery making in India?
d. List the classical dance forms of India as per the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Examine any three of the following in about 150 words each: 12×3=36
2012
1.“The Indian independence movement was a mass-based movement that encompassed various
sections of society. It also underwent the process of constant ideological evolution.” Critically examine
4.What are the groups into which musical instruments in India have traditionally been
classified ?
7.The significance of
Examine the cause and the extent of ‘desertification’ in India and suggest remedial measures.
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Page 50
2013
1. 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. (200 words)
2. (a) Discuss the ‘Tandava’ dance as recorded in early Indian inscriptions. (100 words)
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(b) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (100
words)
3. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch- bearer during
the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss (200 words)
4. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their
role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (200 words)
5. “In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India.” Elaborate. (200 words)
6. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba
Bhave and their success. (200 words)
7. Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan, ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. (200 words)
8. Discuss the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre - and post- independent India (200
words)
9. Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the
Agreement. (200 words)
10. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of
Bangladesh. (200 words)
11. “‘Latecomer’ Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different
from what West had experienced.” Analyze. (200 words)
12. ‘’Africa was chopped into States artificially created by accidents of European competition.” Analyze.
(200 words)
13. ‘’American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism.” Substantiate. (200 words)
14. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression? (200 words)
15. Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in
India. (200 words) (10 marks)
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16. “Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from
gender bias.” Comment. (200 words) (10 marks)
17. Critically examine the effect of globalization on the aged population in India. (200 words) (10 marks)
18. Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in generation of demand for a separate state.
Discuss. (200 words) (10 marks)
19. a What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its
support. (100 words) (5 marks)
19.b The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called ‘Phailin’. How are the tropical cyclones
named across the world? Elaborate. (100 words) (5 marks)
20. a Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (100
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words) (5 marks)
20. b What do you understand by the phenomenon of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How
does it affect weather and the habitants of the place? (100 words) (5 marks)
21. Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 deg N latitudes and on the
western sides of the continents. Why? (200 words) (10 marks)
22. a Bring out the causes for more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in the
Western Ghats. (100 words) (5 marks)
22. b There is no formation of deltas by rivers on the Western Ghats. Why? (100 words) (5 marks)
23. a Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in southern states of India?
Discuss with justification. (100 words) (5 marks)
23. b Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (100 words) (5
marks)
24. W ith growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in
India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in I ndia and in
the world. (200 words) (10 marks)
25. It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the
country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the
agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. (200 words) (10 marks)
2014
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1. To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to
the present day urbanization? Discuss. 10
3. Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number
of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to
flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss. 10
4. The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire -shaking battles fought at
Panipat? 10
5. Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the
outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. 10
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6.Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid -eighteenth
century till independence. 10
7. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations
in India? 10
8. What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the
anti-colonial struggle in India? 10
9. What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self -
image as a world power? 10
10. The New Economic Policy-1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after
independence. Evaluate. 10
11. How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India?
12. Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women?
Give your arguments.
13. The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss.
14. Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of
agriculture in India.
15. How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West?
16. Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El -Nino effect. Do
you agree?
17. Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out
the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and
volcanoes.
18. Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philipines archipelagos.
19. Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico.
Why?
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Page 53
20. Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate
change in the Indian sub-continent.
21. Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser
Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling
area. Explain.
22. Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and
good availability of water?
23. Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world.
24. Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the
resource crisis in the world.
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25. How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resources rich Africa?
2015
1.The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece
in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day.
Comment.
2.Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a tine
aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment.
3.How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi?
Discuss.2015
4.It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the
Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the
Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.
5.Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there
during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present? 2015
6.To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically
7.Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a
common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. 2015
8.Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a
national identity.
9.Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work
towards annihilation of caste.
Q10. How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more
favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?
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Page 54
Q11. Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four
decades.
Q12. Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India?
Q13. Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity
work towards annihilation of caste.
Q14. Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional
climates, fishing and navigation?
Q15. Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much
more serious probelm in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
Q16. India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from
water scarcity.
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Q17. The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits
of econological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
Q18. How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to
humanizing landscape? Discuss.
Q19. Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart vilages. Discuss this statement in the
backdrop of rural urban integration.
Q20. What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible
environemental consequences?
2016
Each Question is worth 12.5 marks and maximum word limit is 200. But content of the answer is
more important than its length.
1.Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds
Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
प्रारम्भिक बुद्धा स्तूप कला, लोक वर्ण्य-विषयो एवं कथानको को चित्रित करते हुए बुद्धा आदर्शो की सफलतापूर्वक
व्याख्या करती है | विशदीकरण कीजिए |
2.Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but
was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.
विजयनगर नरेश कृष्णदेव रॉय न केवल स्वयं एक कुशल विद्वान थे अपितु विधया एवं साहित्य के महान संरक्षक भी थे |
विवेचना करिए |
3.Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British
policies towards colonial India.
यह स्पष्ट कीजिए कि 1857 का विप्लव किस प्रकार औपनिवेशिक भारत के प्रति ब्रिटिश नीतियों के विकासक्रम में एक
महत्वपूर्ण एतिहासिक मोड है |
4.Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.
स्वतन्त्रता संग्राम में, विशेष तौर पर गांधीवादी चरण के दौरान महिलाओं कि भूमिका का विवेचन कीजिए |
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5.Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the
struggle for freedom.
स्वतन्त्रता के लिए संघर्ष में सुभाष चन्द्र बोस एवं महात्मा गांधी के मध्य दृष्टिकोण की भिन्नताओं पर प्रकाश
डालिए |
6.Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?
क्या भाषाइ राज्यों के गठन नें भारतीय एकता के उद्देश्य को मजबूती प्रदान की है ?
7.The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated
Africans. Examine.
पश्चिमी अफ्रीका में उपनिवेश-विरोधी संघर्षों को पाश्चात्य सिक्षित अफ़्रीकियों के नव संभ्रांत वर्ग के द्वारा
नेत्रत्व प्रदान किया गया था | परीक्षण करिए |
8.To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.
वैश्वीकरण नें भारत में सांस्कृतिक विविधता के आंतरक (कोर) को किस सीमा तक प्रभावित किया है ? स्पष्ट कीजिए |
9.“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation.” Substantiate
this statement with suitable examples. 7+5.5 marks
“ गरीबी उन्मूलन की एक अनिवार्य शर्त गरीबों को वंचितता के प्रक्रम से विमुक्त कर देना है |” उपयुक्त उदाहरण
प्रस्तुत करते हुए इस कथन को पुष्ट कीजिए |
10.Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions
enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. 4.5+8 marks
क्या कारण है कि भारत में जनजातियों को “अनुसूचित जनजातियाँ ” कहा जाता है ? भारत के संविधान में प्रतिष्ठापित
उनके उत्थापन के लिए प्रावधानों को सूचित कीजिए |
11.With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of
the ‘Smart City Programme’. 4.5+8 marks
भारत में नगरीय जीवन कि गुणता कि संक्षिप्त पृष्ठभूमि के साथ, ‘ स्मार्ट नगर कार्यक्रम ‘ के उद्देश्य और रणनीति
बताइये ?
12.What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on
regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. 3.5 + 9 marks
प्रादेशिकता का क्या आधार है ? क्या ऐसा प्रादेशिक स्तर पर विकास के लाभों के असमान वितरण से हुआ , जिसने कि
अंतत: प्रादेशिकता को वढावा दिया ?अपने उत्तर को पुष्ट कीजिए |
13.Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.
वायु संहति कि संकल्पना की विवेचना कीजिए तथा विस्तृत क्षेत्रीय जलवायवी परिवर्तनों में उसकी भूमिका को स्पष्ट
कीजिए |
14.“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable
measures of mitigation.
“हिमालय भूस्खलन के प्रति अत्याधिक प्रवण है |” कारणो कि विवेचना कीजिए तथा अल्पीकरण के उपाय सुझाए |
15.The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human
miseries. Explain
भूमि तथा जल संसाधनो का प्रभावी प्रबंधन मानव विपत्तियों को प्रबल रूप से कम कर देगा | स्पष्ट कीजिए |
16.South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.
वर्तमान संदर्भ में दक्षिणी चीन सागर का भू-राजनीतिक महत्त्व बहुत बढ़ गया है | टिप्पणी कीजिए |
17.Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.
भारत के प्रमुख नगर बाढ़ दशाओं से अधिक असुरक्षित होते जा रहे है | विवेचना कीजिए |
18.Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and
political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.
सिंधु जल संधि का एक विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए तथा बदलते हुए द्विपक्षीय संबंधो के संदर्भ में उसके पारिस्थितिक
आर्थिक एवं राजनीतिक निहितार्थों का परीक्षण कीजिए |
19.Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.
भारत में अंतर्देशीय जन परिवहन कि समस्याओं एवं संभावनाओ को गिनाइए ?
20.In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought
prone and semi-arid regions of India.
भारत में सूखा-प्रवण एवं अर्धशुष्क प्रदेशों में लघु जलसंभर विकास परियोजनाए किस प्रकार जल संरक्षण में सहायक
है ?
2017
2.Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.
3.Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology
and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?
5.How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?
6.In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss.
7.Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016 was declared
as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.
9.In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the
States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.
10.What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing
discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?
1.The spirit tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early
times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.
2.Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural
economy.
3.Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian
independence since twenties of the last century.
4.Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.
5.Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly
in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.
6.In what way can flood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland
navigation in India?
7.What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50
percent of the won population residing in Monsoon Asia?
8.The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform
movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?
9.Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the
former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.
10.“The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has also created
new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples.
1
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Q. “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of
contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss(2016)
Is it correct to describe the party system in India as One party Dominant system ?Give reasons for your
answer (1985)
Q.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? (2016)
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(Question related to CAG ) Distinguish between the auditing and Accounting functions of the CAG of
India. (2008 )
am
Q.Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the
present circumstances?(2016)
What was the amendment in 1975, in the preamble of the Constitution? Discuss its significance.(1983)
What are the major commitments of the Constitution of India as incorporated in its
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preamble(1988)
What is the significance of a preamble to a constitution? Bring out the philosophy of the Indian polity as
enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.(2004)
Q. What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key
importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (2016)
Is it possible to distinguish between judicial review and judicial activism in India? Does the
recent behavior of the Indian judiciary partake more of judicial activism? Argue with suitable
examples.(2005
2
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Q.“Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal
affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian
Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples. (2016)
Gs2
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am
1979
1 Answer these Write about 100 words each on the following: 20
a. The International Year of the Child
A . What is the basic structure of the Constitution of India? Briefly review the important
amendments to the Constitution since its adoption by the Constituent Assembly. Specify any
particular amendments which were later repealed and the reasons there for (About 500
words).
or
B. What is the scheme of division of powers between the Centre and the the State under the
Constitution of India? Discuss whether the grant of greater authority to the States would be in
the interests of strengthening the integrity and promoting the economic development of the
country (About 500 words).
3.Write short notes not exceeding 150 words on any two of the following topics:
1.Directive Principles of State Policy
3
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1980
1.The policy of nonalignment was enunciated by Pandit Nehru and it has become a cornerstone
of the foreign policy of independent India. What are the principles underlying the concept of
nonalignment? Has this policy been fruitful? Give reasons for your views (Not more than 150
words). 25
2.What is ‘Commonwealth’ of Nations? Who are eligible for its membership? What are its aims?
How does it function? Has any member left the Commonwealth (Not more than 150 words)? 25
.in
3. Why did USSR send troops to Afganistan? What are the broad issues involved? What has
been India's response to the Afgan situation (Not more than 150 words)? 25
4.Answer the following
am
a. Where is the island of Diego Garcia? To which country does it belong? For what purpose is it
used? Why has it come prominently in the news (Not more than 150 words)? 15
b. Why was a referendum held recently in Nepal? What was its result? Does it affect in any way
the bilateral relations between Indian and Nepal? Give reasons for your answer (Not more than
100 words). 10
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5.Answer the following Write short notes on the following (Not more than 150 words on each).
1.Asian Charter for health
2.development Bonus
3.Ordinance issued by the President in August 1980
6.What are the respective view of the political leadership and the permanent civil services in
the governance of India? What steps, if any, in your view have to be taken to secure better
appreciation of the functions of the civil services and to senate their proper and efficient
functioning (About 500 words)?
7.Write short notes on any two of the following topics: 40
1.The Finance Commission P
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8.Why were the states of India ‘reorganised’ in 1950? Do you think that the policy has served
the purpose which the Government had in view? Give reasons for your views. 25
9. Why was ASEAN formed? Who are its members? What has ASEAN achieved so far? What
stand has it taken in respect of problems in Afganistan and Kampuchea (Not more than 150
words)? 25
10. What are the main reasons for the decline of hocky played in India? What remedial measure
would you suggest (Not more than 150 words)? 15
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In many democratic countries radio and televisions are not under the control of the State. Do
you think that the same policy shoudl be adopted in India? Mention briefly xxx in favour of and
against such a step (Not more than 200 words). 25
am
12.The policy of nonalignment was enunciated by Pandit Nehru and it has become a
cornerstone of the foreign policy of independent India. What are the principles underlying the
concept of nonalignment? Has this policy been fruitful? Give reasons for your views (Not more
than 150words).25
13.Answer the questions
xa
Review briefly the present state of India's economic relations with the neighbouring countries-
Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma and Sri Lanka and indicate how the xxx interest of
India and these countries could be promoted through bilateral economic cooperation.65
OR
Identify a few areas or projects in which it would be in our interests to secure the cooperation
of one or more of our neighbours (About 500 words).
14.What is ‘floor crossing’
1.Situation of law and order has become increasingly xxx in many parts of India.
What are the main reasons for the deterioration in law and order position? How are
the State Governments trying to control crimes’ What further steps would you
suggest with a view to provide a greater sense of security in the minds of the
people specially those, who belong to the xxx sections of the society and live in
remote areas (Not more than 150 words). 25
2.The Press in India is free to publish any news and views except there, which are
objectionable from the point of view of the security of state, friendly relations with
foreign States, etc. What steps have been taken recently by Government to prevent
monopoly of the some of the newspaper, to encourage the xxx of small newspapers
and to prevent the exploitation of working journalists and other employees of
Indian newspapers (Not more than 150 words)? 25
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3.What important issues were considered at the Conference held in August 1981 at
Nairobi on new and renewable sources of energy under the xxx of United Nations?
What progress has been made in India towards the development of renewable
sources of energy (Not more than 200 words)? 30
am
4.The Caste system and the practice of untouchability were major targets of attack
from the social reform movement, which grew in strength after the revolt of 1857.
Indicate the main factors which gradually undermined the caste system and
brought into sharp focus the evils of untouchability. What was the role of Mahatma
Gandhi in the eradication of untouchability and to what extent did he influence the
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xxx of the constitution and Government policy in this regard? What further steps
should be taken to wipe out untouchability (Not more than 200 words)? 25
6. When was the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation between the Republic
of India and the Union of Soviet Republic signed? What are the important aspects of
the treaty and what is its duration? How has the Treaty served India's interests?
Does it affect India's position as a prominent members of the Non-aligned Group of
Nations (Not more than 150 words)? 25
a. What are the general issues on which the organisation named Solidarity, started
agitation in Poland under the leadership of xxx? Why are the countries both in
Eastern and Western blocs in Europe deeply concerned about the above
developments in Poland (Not more than 150 words)? 20
OR .in
a. Analyse the causes of controversy in India, in recent years in regard to Union-
State relations. What are the specific areas? Consider the main issues and offer
your comments and suggestions (About 400 words). 50
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b. What is Parliamentary Democracy? How does the Indian Parliament exercise
control over the Union? Can the Parliament have any control over the State
Executives/Assess Standing Committees of the Parliament in the exercise
(About 400 words)
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7.a Bring out the significance of the Fundamental Rights provided in the Constitution of
India. The right to acquire, hold and dispose of property has ceased to be a fundamental right.
Examine the purpose of the change involved.
b.Why has there been reservation of seats for Scheduled Caste and Tribes in the legislatures
and in public services? How the purpose been achieved? Indicate recent developments.
c. Describe briefly the legislative and executive powers of the President of India. Have there
been any changes during the last decade? Offer your comments.
d. Panchayati Raj has been designed in function as the grass root of democracy in India.
Describe its organisational setup. What is the present position? Assess the performances of
Panchayati System (Answer to each question on should be in about 150 words).
8. Answer any ten of the following questions: (Answer to each question on should be given in 1
or 2 sentences) 30 Group A
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1982
1.The Phenomenon of Political defection in India assumed large proportions in recent years. Bring out
the factor responsible for the growth of this phenomenon. Is it right to say than ban on defection will
amount to suppression of thought and action? 45
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2.India is not a federation but it has definite federal features. Elucidate
3.Planning and federalism make uneasy partners , the planning operations in India have led to the
erosion of federalism , discuss [250] words
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4. What is ‘floor crossing’ Have Governments legislated on the subject of ‘floor crossing’
5.Examine the relative role of Legislature, Judiciary and the executive in the functioning of the
parliamentary system of Government In India. It is a fact that executive has been tending to be more
powerful over the years?
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6.The office of the president of India was designed in the British mode, With this background consider
the modification of the executive powers of the president by the 42 nd amendment, 1976 and the 44th
amendment 1979 to the constitution of India. Comment on the changes.
7.Differentiate between the fundamental rights and directive principle of state policy, Do you think that
the later has been adequately implemented? Give reasons for your views.
8.What is meant by the sovereigy of the parliament? Consider wether the Indian parliament is a
soverign body?
9.Analyse the situation in the Northeastern States xxx what steps are being taken and could be taken to
restore it to normally having regard to the strategic xxx these States, the intersts and aspirations of the
different communities and classes of people living there and the paramount importance of national
integration (About 500 words). 65 OR
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10.Whar are the respective xxx of the political leadership and the permanent civil services in the
governance of India? What steps, if any, in your view have to be taken to secure better appreciation of
the functions of the civil services and to senate their proper and efficient functioning (About 500
words)?
1. Review briefly the present state of India's economic relations with the neighbouring countries-
Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma and Sri Lanka and indicate how the xxx interest of
India and these countries could be promoted through bilateral economic cooperation. Identify a
few areas or projects in which it would be in our interests to secure the cooperation of one or
more of our neighbors (About 500 words). 65 OR
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1983
1.How often did the heads of the State Government of the Non aligned countries meet? When and
where did it meet first? Who is the chairman of NAM now? What were the main points agreed to at the
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last meeting of the Conference of the Head of the States. What was included in the “New Delhi
Message”?
2.Asiad and Commonwealth Games have revealed that standard of sports and games in India is far
below the prevailing International Standard.India did not get a single medal in the ninth Asiaad in eight
sports discipline.What steps have been or are being taken by the Government of India to encourage
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4.Mention the main provisions related to the treaty related to the use of High Seas under the
International Laws as adopted in 1982.Name the countries which opposed the above Law of Sea
Convention and have not ratified yet.
5.Many countries which achieved independence after the war have come under dictatorship or military
rule.What are the forces that have enabled India to maintain a democratic system? Consider in this
connection, the emergency provision in the constitution of India, in making your presentation.
6. What were the objectives in having three separate legislative list in the Constitution of India. Can the
Parliament make any law regard to any item in the state list?Does any of the issue arising from the
above give rise to Union State controversies.
7.What was the amendment in 1975, in the preamble of the Constitution? Discuss its significance.
8.Separation of powers is essential to ensure Individual liberty. Discuss this with regard to the provisions
in the Constitution and practices adopted so far.
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9.What were the aims with which Panchayati raj was created in India?Have these aims been fulfilled?
What is the present situation obtaining in the country?
11.Why was taken “education” taken out of the State list and put in the Concurrent list?
1984
1.What is Tamil problem of Srilanka ? Why India is involved in it ? What efforts have been made to solve
this problem ?
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2 .Why did USA withdraw support from UNESCO?
4. What is dealt in article 25 of Indian Constitution? What was the controversy about it recently (1984)
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5. Discuss the Importance of Independence of judiciary in a democracy
7. Despite all talk of an effective opposition why has it not been possible to develop an effective
opposition in India? Enumerate the principle impediments to the achievements if the much desired
political objective .
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8.How is the governor of a state appointed in India? Does the manner of his appointments ensure his
independent functioning?
Mention any three directive principles concerning social and economic justice
Distinguish between the head of the state and Head of the Gov. Which of the tow offices is more
important in India
When can the governor of a state reserve a bill for the consideration by the president ?
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1985
1.Why was it considered necessary to pass the anti-defection bill ? In what ways is it likely to improve
the political health of the country?
2.The supreme court has held that a Government servant could not be dismissed or removed from
service without an enquiry under article 311 (2) (B) of the Constitution in ‘public interest’ and for ‘public
good’ what is your view on this issue ?
3.How far in your opinion is the recent Indo US agreement on technology transfer likely to help us? what
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are the disadvantages?
4.What are the main causes of anti-reservation stir in India ? what are the provisions in our constitution
regarding reservation ? Do you consider the policy on reservation is bad ?
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5.Discuss the political, social and economic characteristics of The Indian state.
6.Keeping in view the political development in India explain how the need for the national integration
and the demand for the regional autonomy can be reconciled .
7.Explain the grounds on which the President can proclaim an state emergency . Give examples from the
recent experience .
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8.What changes according to you have taken place in the power structure in rural India in recent
decades
9.Is it correct to describe the party system in India as One party Dominant system ?give reasons for your
answer.
10.Discuss the status and the specific role of the finance commission in India '
11.what additions have been made to the DPSP since the commencement of the constitution ?'
13.what is the provision in the Constitution for the representation of the Anglo Indian community in the
lok sabha ?
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1987
1.What does the Gorkha National Liberation Front seek? In what way are their demands
different from the earlier demands of Mizo National Front and the demand for Khalistan (Not
more than 200 words)? (35)
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and General Secretary? What are its main objectives (About 200 words)? (35)
3.Briefly mention why and how the Chapter on Directive Principles gained precedence over the
Chapter on Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution (About 250 words).
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(40) OR
Identify the nature and methods of parliamentary control over the executive in Indian polity
(About 250 words).
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5.Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20
+ 20)
a.What are the main features of the Anti-defection legislation of 1985?
b.To what extent does the President of India possess discretionary powers? If any, what are
they?
c.Discuss the importance of Article 32 of the Indian Constitution ‘
d.There are political personalities but no political parties in India.’ Comment.
1988
1.What led to the signing of Tripartite Accord with TNV? What are its main points (About is a
words)? (20)
2.Why did Iran accept the UN Security Council Resolution for a cease-fire? When did it become
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operative (About 125 words)? (15)
3. Answer the following questions
a.Discuss the significance of the INF Treaty between Soviet Union and the USA (About 125
words). (15)
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b. Has the IPKF been able to achieve the goal set before it by the terms of the Indo-Sri Lanka
Agreement? What are the options available to India (About 150 words)? (20)
d.What was ‘Operation Black Thunder’ When was it launched? What did it achieve (About 75
words)? (10)
5.Answer the following questions
a.What is ‘Perestroika’ What are the major changes envisaged by it (About 75 words)? (10)
b.Describe the salient features of GNLF Accord with the Government. How does it differ from
the original GNLF demands (About 75 words)? (100)
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c. Write a short note on the financial aspect of Sarkaria Commission Report (About 40 words).
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preamble?
b.Explain the concept of Minorities in the Indian Constitution and mention the safeguards
provided therein for their protection.
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c.Examine the role and functions of the State Governors as set out in the Constitution of India.
d.Explain the Constitutional responsibilities of the Election Commission of India.
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8.Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20
+ 20)
a.The Government of India has recently set up a Department of Food Procession. What are its
functions?
b. Some experts an of the opinion that the dams and the reservoirs located in different parts of
the country may lead to undesirable consequences. How far are these fears justified?
c.What are the aims of the New Technology Policy? What steps are being taken to improve the
standards of technical education?
d. What is fluorosis? What can be done to minimise its harmful effects?
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Group B
1.What do you understand by ‘zero-hour’ in the conduct of business in Parliament?
2. State the privileges of the members of the Parliament?
1989
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1.What is Super-301? Why is India concerned about it and how has she reacted to it? OR
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2.What are the differences in the approaches of India and Nepal to the transit-trade question?
How is this question complicated by other issues (About 250 words)? (35)
3. a. Who are the Bodos? Why have they become restive recently?
b. Why has the Jharkhand Movement acquired prominence? What are its main demands?
c. Discuss the significance of the 4th SAARC Summit.
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d. What has been the role of the European Parliament? Did the recent elections to it reflect any
change to member countries, particularly in Britain?
e. Why has the Siachen Glacier been in the news? What could be the main purpose behind the
Indo-Pak parleys on the issue?
f. Why has the Tiananmen Square come in the news recently?
g. Write a short note on the recent shift in the US attitude towards the PLO.
h.What is the Golden Triangle? Why is it notorious?
Define the duties and powers of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in regard to Audit
and show how the Constitution provides for his independence from Executive Control (About
250 words). (40)
OR
Discuss the powers, privileges and immunities of the Indian Parliament (About 250 words).
5.Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words)
(20+20)
a. Examine the powers and functions of the speaker of the Lok Sabha.
b.Explain the relevance of Rajya Sabha as a second chamber in the Federal set-up of the Indian
Parliamentary System.
India.
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c.Discuss the relationship between the Executive and the legislative wings with reference to
d. Describe the organization and functions of the committee system in Indian Parliament.
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Group B
1.What is meant by a Cut Motion in Parliament? Mention its different kinds.
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2. Discuss the value of the consultative committees attached to the different Ministries of the
Government of India?
1990
What were the basic differences between Iraq and Kuwait which led to the recent crisis in the
gulf? What were the reactions of various countries to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait? What are the
likely repercussions on India (35)? OR What were the highlights of the discussions held between
the Indian Prime Minister and the Soviet President during former's visit to Moscow in July,
1990? Evaluate its impact on the future course of Indo-Soviet relations (About 250 words).
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Attempt any three of the following: (About 75 words each) (10 × 3 = 30)
1. Analyse the different phases of the Naxalite Movement from its inception to present
day. What were the initial drawbacks of the movement?
2. What are the main features of the agreement between Soviet President Mikhail
Gorbachev and the West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in July, 1990 on terms of
German Unification?
3. Write briefly about the pro-democracy Movement in Nepal and its latest outcome.
4. Explain in brief the major shift in the American policy to wards Kampuchea.
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2. Where is Tehri Dam located and what is the scope of the project? What are the
objections of the Environmentalists to the project?
3. What are the basic points of dispute over the sharing of the Cauvery water? What are
the recommendations of the Supreme Court?
am
4. What has been the significant event in Myanmar? What may be the possible outcome of
the event?
5. Who has been chosen as the first Non-Communist leader in four decades in Bulgaria?
What are its political repercussions?
6. What are the broad decisions of the meetings of the Indo-Bangladesh Joint River
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Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 +
20)
1. What are the major recommendations of the National Perspective Plan for women,
1988 and what are the relevant recommendations as envisaged in the Constitutional
Amendment Bill (64th Amendment)?
2. Explain the nature and extent of discretionary powers and special responsibilities of the
Governor in the Indian Constitution?
3. Describe the Constitutional position of the Civil Services in India. How is their neutrality
and independence sought to be achieved?
4. What are the reasonable restriction mentioned in the Indian Constitution accompanying
the fundamental rights?
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Group B
1. Explain the significance of Prasar Bharati Corporation in the context of modern mass
media.
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2. What is contempt of Parliament? Mention its various kinds.
3. State the significance of Article 370 of our Constitution.
4. Describe the procedure for the creation of Second Chamber of the State Legislature.
5. Define Write of Mandamus. Explain its importance.
xa
1991
1.Who were the main participants at the West Asian Peace Conference in Madrid and what
were the main issues confronting the participants? What do you think has been achieved at the
meet (35)?
OR
Briefly describe the chain of major events towards the end of 1991 which led to the dissolution
of the Soviet Union and the resignation of Mikhail Gorbachov. Who assumed the Soviet Unions
membership in the United Nations including that in the Security Council (About 250 words).
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2. Attempt any three of the following: (About 75 words each) (10 × 3 = 30)
1. What is ‘Operation Rhino’ Why was it resorted to and to what extent you think it has
been a success?
2. What do you know of the new Secretary-General of the United Nations? Mention some
of the more challenging tasks he has to face in his new assignment.
3. In what way India made a significant contribution at the CHOGM summit at Harare?
Who will host the next CHOGM and when?
4. What is the genesis of the Yugoslav unrest? What has been the reaction of the European
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outcome of the recent meeting of the National Integration Council?
2. What was the magnitude of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and what were the salient features
of the Supreme Court verdict on the Bhopal as Tragedy?
3. What has been India's stand in respect of the proposed sale of a nuclear reactor to Iran?
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4. Briefly indicate why and what types of problems were faced by the United Germany
consequent on its unification.
5. Where is Antarctica and what is there so special about It? What do you know of any ban
on exploration in Antarctica?
xa
6. What main topics were discussed at the NATO Summit at Rome recently and indicate
the main trends which emerged out of it?
7. Who are the ‘Boat People’ of Hong Kong? What is the nature and magnitude of their
problem?
Section I
1. Answer the following questions
1. Examine the constitutional relation between the President and the Prime
Minister of India (About 250 words). (40) OR
2. Examine whether the grant of greater autonomy to the States would be in the
interest of strengthening the integrity and promoting the economic
19
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3. Discuss the secular nature of Indian polity and the position of minorities in India.
4. ‘The planning operation's in India have led to erosion of federalism.’ Discuss.
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1. Group B
1. Distinguish between value-based politics and personality-based politics.
1992
1.Twenty-five years term of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty will come to an end in 1995. Some
important members want it to be renewed; as it is, for another 25 or 50 years. What are its
basic provisions and how will its renewal adversely affect India's interests (35)?
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2.What were the proposals of President F. W. De Klerk on democratisation in South Africa? Why
did the African National Congress break off the negotiations? What steps are being taken to
resume negotiations (About 250 words)?
3.Attempt any two of the following (About 125 words each) (15 × 2 = 30)
a.What is Eager Mace? What have been its objectives and in what respect has it been criticised?
b.For what reasons have Russia and Japan failed to sign a peace treaty? What are the latest
developments in this respect?
c.What are the recommendations of the Ramamurthi Committee in respect of Navodaya
Schools? What are the observations of the Committee of Central Advisory Board of Education
(CABE) on its recommendations.
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a.When and where was the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development held
b. What are the unique features of ‘Agni’ launched recently by India? When and from where
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was it launched? What has been the reaction of the USA?
c.What stand was taken by India at the recent Security Council Summit in regard to Nuclear
Non-Proliferation? What major decision was taken by the Summit?
d.In what respect can the recent arms control agreement between the USA and Russia be
considered as a big step forward towards disarmament?
xa
Answer the following questions What are the general features of the amending procedures of
the Constitution of India? About 250 words (40) What are Zonal Councils? Discuss their
constitution, role and importance in achieving interstate comity (About 250 words).
Section I
1. Group B
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1. State the difference between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.
2. The writ of Mandamus will not be granted against certain persons. Who are
they?
3. Distinguish between the All India Services and Central Services.
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4. Distinguish between Annual Financial Statement and Annual Finance Bill.
a.State the difference between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.
b.The writ of Mandamus will not be granted against certain persons. Who are they?
1993
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What Were the objects of the UN-sponsored elections in Cambodia? To what extent was the
UN successful in bringing peace in Cambodia? Discuss (35). OR What recent developments have
been responsible for bringing India and Israel closer? What progress has been made in this
direction during the last one year? Discuss (About 250 words).
Attempt any three of the following: (About 100 words each) (10 × 3 = 30)
1. How do the recommendations of the World Conference on Human Rights held at Vienna
reflect India's concern in terrorism and self-determination?
2. How have the Indo-US relations improved during the last two years? Discuss.
3. What is ISO 9000? Why is it much in demand these days?
4. Why has the question of child labour become more important recently? How is it going
to affect India?
weapons treaty?
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1. What are the major objections of the various countries to the signing of the chemical
2. What is the problem of the Chakmas? Why have the Chakma refugees refused to go
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back to their homeland?
3. What policy initiatives have been taken to reduce water pollution of major rivers in
India?
4. Why did the European power find it difficult to solve the Bosnian crisis?
5. Should the Speaker of a Legislative Assembly appear before the courts on summons?
xa
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1. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words) (20 + 20)
am
1. What are the fundamental duties and their implications.
2. Describe the doctrine of colourable legislation.
3. Describe the composition and functions of the Election Commission of India.
5. Bring out the main change in the Panchayati Raj System in India through the
Seventy Third Constitutional Amendment Act?
6. Distinguish between preventive detention and punitive detention.
7. What are the various writs available to the citizens of India?
8. When and why was the National Literacy Mission founded?
9. What is meant by ‘equal protection of law’
10. What is the content of the 10th schedule of the Constitution of India?
11. What is the purpose of Article 24 of the Constitution of India?
1994
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Examine the present status of Indo-US relations. What are the major irritants in the relations
between the two countries (35)? OR Explain the background of and the reasons for the strained
US-Japanese trade relations (About 250 words).
Attempt any three of the following: (About 100 words each) (10 × 3 = 30)
1. What are the causes of civil strife in Rwanda?
2. What is the stand of the Election Commission on the residential qualification of the
members of the Rajya Sabha?
3. Discuss the problem of factional politics in Afghanistan.
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7. What are Euro issues?
8. What are the recommendations of the Malhotra Committee?
9. What is HAMAS?
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10. What is Marraesh Declaration?
11. What is Eurostar?
12. What role has India to play in the recent happenings in Myanmar?
Paper II
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Section I
1. Answer the following questions
In India, though the Governor is the constitutional head of a state just as the
President of the country, the former may be enjoying more powers than the
latter. Do you agree? Give reasons (About 250 words). (40) OR
Explain the role of the Planning Commission and the National Development
Council in the formulation of public policy in India (About 250 words).
2. Answer the following questions
Differentiate between indicative and target planning. Where should the Eighth
Five Year Plan be placed (About 250 words)? (40) OR
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It is being suggested that the commercial banks in India should reduce their
holdings of nonperforming assets. Does it mean that the former should abandon
social priorities (About 250 words)?
Describe the various measures taken under the Ganga Action Plan and their
impact on the water quality of the river (About 250 words). (40) OR
What are the diseases caused by Iodine Deficiency? What steps are beings taken
to tackle the problem in India (About 250 words)?
Section II
1. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words): (20 + 20)
1. Explain the significance of the April 1994 Supreme Court judgement on the
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proclamation of President's rule.
5. Differentiate between the ‘due process of law’ and ‘the procedure established
by law’ in the context of deprivation of personal liberty in India.
6. Explain the meaning of ex post-facto legislation.
7. What is Section 309 PC about? Why was it in the news recently?
8. What is our country's highest civilian award? Who are the two foreigners on
whom the award was conferred?
9. Indicate the provisions of Indian Constitution relating to Secularism.
10. Four more languages were added to the 8th Schedule of the Constitution
through two amendments. Give the names of these four languages as also the
serial number of amendments.
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1995
What strategic moves have recently been made by the USA and China in the
South Pacific region? Is the USA withdrawing from this region? 35 OR Recent
SAARC Summit has been considered as a ‘non-starter’ by some political
observers while for others it has marked a watershed. Explain the two view
points (About 250 words).
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Attempt any three of the following: (10 × 3 = 30)
Where was the G − 7 summit held recently? In what respects are its
recommendations concerning India considered an exercise in hypocrisy?
am
In what respects can the recent bilateral deal between the USA and Japan be
considered as mockery of the GATT treaty?
What have been the recent recommendations of the World Bank on India's
Family Welfare programme? How do these recommendations compare with
those which emerged from the Cairo Conference on Population and
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Development in 1994?
For what reasons have the parliamentarians recently stressed the importance of
setting up a National Security Council in India (About 100 words each)?
What have been the observations of the Supreme Court in a recent judgement in
respect of a Uniform Civil Code?
What are the reasons for the intensification of the border dispute between Peru
and Ecuador?
Why has ‘Baring’ been in the news? Who has been held responsible for its
present situation?
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What is the significance of the agreements signed between India and South
Africa during the first official visit of President Nelson Mandela to India recently?
In what respects is the Prime Minister Narasimha Rao's recent visit to France
considered to be ‘most productive and useful’
What has been the clinching evidence about the receipt of M − 11 missiles by
Pakistan?
2.What is the position of the Supreme Court under the Constitution of India?
Discuss its role as a guardian of the Constitution (About 250 words).
Section II
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Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about
am
150 words) (20 + 20)
What are the constitutional rights of the citizens of India? What do you think
xa
1996
Indicate the principal issues that dominated the political debate in the presidential elections of
1996 in Russia. OR How has the Taiwan issue influenced US-China relations during the last one
year (About 250 words)?
Attempt any three of the following: (About 100 words on each) (10 × 3 = 30)
1. Write a note on the political developments in Afghanistan during the last one year.
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Explain.
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6. The recent elections in India seem to necessitate a change in the style of governance.
2. Why does the Constitution of India contain different forms of Oath for the President,
the
Ministers, the Legislators and the members of the Judiciary? Discuss their significance (About
Group B
1. What is the major recommendation of Dinesh Goswami Committee?
2. What role can the Union Government play in settling interstate water disputes?
3. The Writ of Mandamus cannot be granted against certain persons. Who are they?
4. What constitutional provisions make the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General
of India independent?
5. How do you distinguish between a Money Bill and a Finance Bill?
6. What are the functions of the Human Rights Commission of India?
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1997
Where and when was the meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan held in
1997? What were the main decisions taken and what follow-up action has been taken? OR
Describe the recent significant developments in Sino-Russian relations. How have the Russain
people reacted to these developments (About 250 words)?
Attempt any three of the following: (About 100 words on each)
1. What is the Taliban Movement? How has it influenced the geopolitical equations in
Asia?
2. What circumstances led to the victory of Socialists in the parliamentary elections in
France?
3. What was the Pathfinder by Mission? What were its main findings?
4. What do you understand by Heaven's Gate? Why was it in the news recently?
Attempt any three of the following: (About 50 words on each)
1. What fallout can the ‘Mir’ troubles have on the future of US-Russian cooperation in
space?
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2. Why has there been opposition from the North-eastern States to the Supreme Court ban
on all activities inside forests?
3. What is VDIS? What does it aim at?
4. What was the fallout of the Plenary Session of Indian National Congress in Calcutta in
August 1997?
am
5. On what grounds did India not sign the CTBT?
6. What is likely to be the impact on Hong Kong's economy after its transfer to China?
7. What was the controversy about ‘Prithvi’
1. Answer the following questions
1. How are the President and the Vice President of India elected? What are the
constitutional issues involved in their election (About 250 words)? OR
2. What is Social Justice? How can reservation of seats for women in Parliament
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3. What, according to the Supreme Court, constituted The Basic Features which it
upheld in cases known as
1. Keshavanand Bharati v/s State of Kerala (1990)
2. Minerva Mills v/s Union of India (1990)
Group B
1. What do Rule 184 and 193 in Parliamentry Procedure signify?
2. What is meant by Gujral Doctrine? Write its specific principles.
3. Give a brief account of CMP (Common Minimum Programme) of the united Front
Government at the Centre.
4. Write any four fundamental duties prescribed in the Constitution of India.
5. What specific provisions exists in the Constitution of India about child labour?
6. What is Article 356 in the Indian Constitution? Comment.
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1998
Examine the reasons for the non-introduction of Women's Reservation Bill in the LokSabha
(About 250 words). 35 OR Discuss the implications of Israel's expansion plan. How have the
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major western powers reacted to it (About 250 words)?
Attempt any three of the following: 10 × 3 = 30 (About 100 words on each)
1. Examine the fall out of population explosion in India at the close of twentieth century.
2. Discuss the justification for the creation of new states in U P and Bihir.
xa
6. What solution has been arrived at recently in the Cauvery water dispute?
7. Bring out the issues involved in the appointments and transfer of judges of the Supreme
Court and high Courts in India.
8. Briefly state the stages through which the present position of the Directive Principles vis-
a-vis the Fundamental Rights has emerged (About 250 words). 40 OR Explain the
concept of ‘Ministerial Government’ and account for its decline in recent times in India
(About 250 words). 40
9. The past 50 years of development in India were characterised by planning but the next 50
years of development would be led by the market. Comment (About 250 words). 40 OR
How is absolute poverty line measured? What are the important measures taken by the
Government to eradicate rural poverty in India (About 250 words)? 40
10. Answer any one of the following questions
1. What is remote sensing? What are its uses especially in the Indian context (About
250 words)? 40
2. What is genetic engineering? Why is it getting increasingly important these days
.in
(About 250 words)? 40
11. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words). 20 + 20
1. Highlight the significance of the Seventy-third Amendment to the Constitution of
India.
2. How are the States formed in India? Why have the demands of separate States
am
like those of Vidarbha, Telangana etc. Not been considered by the Government
recently?
3. On what grounds the Legislative Councils are justified? How is it created or
abolished in a State?
4. Differentiate and state the significance of general election, mid-term election and
by-election.
xa
Group B
1. What is meant by ‘Protem Speaker’
2. Point out the constitution and functions of the Central Vigilance Commission.
3. State the amplitude of Art. 21 of the Constitution.
4. Which of the cases regarding disqualifications for Membership of either House of
Parliament are decided by the President?
5. Differentiate between Parliamentary Secretary and Lok Sabha Secretary.
6. What is a Privilege Motion?
1999
What are the highlights of the draft nuclear doctrine formulated by the National Security
Advisory Board? What shortcomings have been pointed out in media reports relating to the
same? OR What are the reasons for the recent diplomatic confrontation between the USE. And
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China? What specific measures have been taken by the USE. To defuse the tension building up
the Taiwan strait (About 250 words)? 35
Attempt any three of the following: (About 100 words on each)
1. What new type of satellite is proposed to be inducted for bolstering surveillance on
India's boarder? How does this type of satellite compare with existing IRS satellites?
2. Explain in brief the observations made by the leaders of the Group of Eight countries in
their meeting in Cologne on Kargil intrusion by Pakistan.
3. What are the major provisions of the New Telecom Policy approved by the
Government? What has been the decision of the Delhi High Court in this respect?
4. Analyse the recent French response to India's diplomatic efforts for promoting Indo-
French friendship. 10 × 3 = 30
Operation Vijay?
.in
1. What was the rationale for the recourse to air strikes by the Indian Air Force during
1. In what ways is the RAJYA SABHA expected to play a special role in today's changing
political scenario? OR On what grounds does Article 15 of the Indian Constitution
prohibit discrimination? Indicate the way the concept of ‘Special protection’ has
qualified this prohibition, and contributed to social change (About 250 words). 40
2. What is ‘new’ in India's New Industrial Policy of 1991? OR What is Multilateral
Agreement on Investment? How will it affect the economy of a developing country like
India (About 250 words)? 40
3. Discuss the role of modern technological inputs on agricultural development in India.
How would it be helpful for food security during 21st century? OR What is a fast breeder
reactor? Comment on its suitability in the Indian context (About 250 words). 40
33
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2. Is there any provision to impeach the Governor of a State?
3. In case of any dispute whether a bill is a money bill or not, whose dicision is final?
4. How is the vice-President of India elected?
5. What is the status of the Right to Property in the Indian Constitution?
6. What is the maximum gap between two sessions of the Indian Parliament?
am
2000
1. Discuss the provisions of the Human Rights Protection ACt (1993) relating to the
following:
1. Definition of human rights.
2. Composition of the National Human Rights Commission.
3. Functions of the Commission.
4. What suggestions have been made for amending the Act for making the role of
the NHRC more effective?
2. Discuss the propositions laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the context of
Torture in Prisons and Human Dignity.
Write on any TWO of the following (About 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
1. Explain Public Interest Litigation. Who can file it and on what basis can it be rejected by
the Court of Law?
2. Discuss Human Genome.
3. What are the features of the Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Public Religious Buildings and
Places Bill, 2000, that have caused widespread protests from minorities?
Write notes on any TWO of the following (About 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
1. Universal Postal Union
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2. Economic and Social Council
3. Florence Nightingale.
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150
am
words). 15 × 2 = 30
1. Discuss Indian-Sri Lankan relations in recent years.
2. India's Kargil victory rested on its successful effort at combining diplomacy with
the use of force. Discuss.
3. Differentiate and state the significance of Pokharan I and Pokharan II.
4. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words) 2 × 5 = 10
1. What does track two diplomacy stand for?
xa
2001
Discuss the administrative relations between the centre and the states in the light of recent
controversies.
.in
Answer any one of the following (About 250 words) (30)
1. What is the constitutional position of Directive Principles or State Policy? How has it been
interpreted by the judiciary after the emergency in 1975 − 77?
am
2. What are the main differences between the passage of a Constitution Amendment Bill and other
Legislative Bills?
Answer any two of the following (About 150 words each): (2 × 15 = 30)
1. Comment on the nature of Ordinance-making power of the President of India. What safeguards
are there against possible misuse?
xa
2. Distinguish between Cabinet Secretariat and Prime Ministers Secretariat. Which of these is more
important?
3. Why is it said that the centre has absolute veto over State Legislature?
5. When is the device of joint sitting of both the House of Parliament not available?
6. What are the UNDP indicators the reference to the planning process?
7. What are the Human Rights issues involved in relation to the arrest of M. Karunanidhi in
Tamilnadu in July 2001?
36
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Write does on any two of the following (about 125 words each) (2 × 10 = 20)
1. Swarn Jayanti Gram Swaraj Yojana
2. Law Commission of India
3. Lalit Kala Akademi
1. Answer any Two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words): (15 × 2 = 30)
1. Discuss the global response to President George Bush's ‘National Missile Defence
Plan’ (NMD).
2. What were the major recommendations of the ‘group of ministers’ on Indian
National Security System?
3. Examine the latest phase of Indo-Iran relations.
2. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words): (2 × 5 =
10)
1. What is India's Look East Policy?
2. What do you understand by ‘G15’
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3. Explain the problem of infiltration in eastern parts of India.
4. Why does India object to Kashmir being treated as a disputed territory?
5. What is the significance of Pyrdiwah and Boraibari in Indo-Bangladesh relations?
3. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words): (2 × 5 =
am
10)
1. In what fields have NRI's excelled in the developed countries?
2. In which specialties Indians are most wanted abroad?
3. What efforts are being made by Indian Government to took after NRI's?
4. What is the contribution of the NRI's to India's development?
5. Why do NRI's retain their emotional attachment to India?
xa
Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (15
× 2 = 30)
1. Discuss the significance of Why is USA not signing it?
2. Evaluate the performance of Summit meeting of the Arab League held in March 2001?
3. Outline the salient features of India's nuclear policy and explain the reasons for India's
refusal to sign the CTBT
4. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words): (2 × 5 =
10)
1. What do the following stand for?
1. KLA
2. UNUP
2. Why has Slobodan Milosevic been in news in the recent past?
3. Who is Gao Zhan?
4. Who is Meghawati Sukamoputri?
5. Which is the latest right confirmed by the 57th session of the United Nations?
5. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words): (2 × 5 =
10)
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1. What is GCC?
2. Why was Macau in the news recently?
3. What is G8?
4. What is European Union?
5. Explain the position of US vis a vis the League of Nations.
2002
The issue of a hung Parliament adversely affects the stability of Indian Government. Discuss the
statement and point out how far changing over to the Presidential form of govt. Will be a solution to this
problem.
Why does the Constitution of India provide different forms of Oaths for the President, the Ministers,
the legislators and the members of the judiciary? Discuss their significance.
.in
1. What is the position of the Supreme Court under the Constitution of India? How far does it play
its role as guardian of the Constitution?
2. How is the Constitution of India amended? Do you think that the procedure for amendment
makes the Constitution a play-thing in the hands of the Centre?
am
Answer any two of the following (about 150 words): 2 × 15 = 30
1. Discuss the constitutional provisions relating to the non-justiciable directives binding upon the
states.
2. Under what Article of the Constitution can the Union govt. Play its role in settling inter-state
water disputes?
5. What is meant by the ‘fringe areas’ in the sphere of local govt. In India?
1. What is the composition of the Electoral college for the election of the President of the Indian
Republic? How is the value of the votes cast counted?
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2. What was India Millenium Deposit Scheme?
3. What has been the impact of Gulf remittances on India's economy?
4. Name the nodal agency to deal with issues relating to Indians abroad and
explain its main task.
5. What is the distinction between NRI and ‘People of India origin’
am
1. Answer any two of the following (about 150 words): 15 × 2 = 30
1. Highlight the main points of Nuclear Disarmament treaty signed by US President George
xa
2. Outline the features of latest Saudi Peace Plan for West Asia Crisis and assess its
importance.
1. WCAR
2. SPDC
3. INTERPOL
4. WIPO
1. UNCHR
2. UNIDO
3. WTO
4. MIGA
2003
5. Why is SAFTA being mooted?
.in
am
Discuss the question of death sentence and Presidential clemency.
3. Explain the relevance of Rajya Sabha as a second chamber in the federal set up of Indian
Parliamentary System.
1. Discuss the steps taken by Government to check child labour and promote child welfare.
40
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2. Suggest measures for the eradication of wide spread corruption in Public Life in India.
1. What are the distinctive features of the Lokpal Bill introduced in the Parliament this year?
2. What is the Prime Minister's Five-Point agenda fir India's development as a Knowledge Society?
3. What are the precinditions for the growth of Civil Society? Is Indian democracy conducive to it?
.in
1. Discuss the major issues in Indo-US relations in recent times.
2. Discuss the impact of the collapse of the Soviet Union on Indo-Russian relations.
2. What has been the nature of Track II diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
5. In what sense in Indo-Nepal cooperation important for both countries national security.
1. Under what conditions are NRIs permitted to remit deposits in India in any currency of
their choice.
4. In what ways did Idi Amin make life difficult for the people of Indian origin in his
country?
2. Discuss the role of the NATO after the end of the Cold War.
3. Discuss the role of the United Nations in the protection and promotion of Human
Rights.
1. IBRD
2. UNHCR
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4. What is the problem in Chechnya?
2004
1. What is the significance of a preamble to a constitution? Bring out the philosophy of the Indian
polity as enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
2. Discuss the meaning of “breakdown of constitutional machinery” What are its effects?
2. How does the Indian Constitution seek to maintain independence of the Public Service
Commission?
Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 2 × 15 = 30
2. What is a Finance Commission? Discuss the main functions of the State Finance Commission.
2. What are the constitutional restrictions imposed upon the power of borrowing of the state
governments?
3. What is the special facility provided to the linguistic minorities under Article 350 A?
.in
4. How can a judge of the Supreme Court be removed?
Write on any two of the following (in about 125 words each) 2 × 10 = 20
Write notes on any two of the following (in about 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
1. Housing for all by 2010 is the goal set by the National Habitat Policy. How far is it achievable?
1. ISRO
3. NDDB
4. Hiren Mukherjee
43
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5. Pareechu Lake
Paper-II
1. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 15 ×
2 = 30
1. Discuss the role played by the United States in promoting/hindering improved relations
between India and Pakistan.
.in
1. The Panchsheel Pact.
2. India-Israel Cooperation.
2. Point out the difference between the Jewish Diaspora and the Indian Diaspora.
xa
3. What are the references made to the NRI in the Union Budget July 2004?
5. Why was January 9 chosen to observe the NRI (Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas) Day?
1. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 15 ×
2 = 30
3. Examine the relevance of pt. Jawaharlal Nehru's ideas in the international relations of
today.
2. Beijing-Taiwan Spat.
4. AI Gharib Prisoners.
2. Answer the following, by expanding and explaining the objectives (Answer to each question
should be in about 20 words): 2 X 5 = 10
1. BIMSTEC
2. ARF
3. Red Cross
4. OPEC
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5. IAEA
2005
am
1. ‘Political boundaries and regional boundaries need to be co-terminus’ Do you agree?
1. Comment on the financial relations between the Union and the States in India. Has post-1991
xa
2. Is it possible to distinguish between judicial review and judicial activism in India? Does the
recent behavior of the Indian judiciary partake more of judicial activism? Argue with suitable
examples.
1. Would you say that the implementation of the Panchayati System in the last ten years has led to
a real restructuring of the Indian polity?
2. Give your views on the right to freedom of religion as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Do
they make India a secular State?
Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
1. What are the constitutional limitations on the free movements of Indians throughout the
country?
2. How has the Indian State tackled the trade-off between environment and development?
45
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3. What are the steps that the Election Commission may take if a recalcitrant State Government
wants to put off
Assembly Elections?
2. What are the protections afforded to Scheduled Tribes in the Fifth Schedule of the Indian
Constitution?
3. In what ways can the President of India ascertain the views of the Supreme Court on a particular
bill?
4. What is the common point between Articles 14 and 226 of the Indian Constitution?
.in
Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words): 30
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 125 words each): 10 × 2 = 20
am
1. Explain th, e implications of the recent Supreme Court verdict on reservations in private and
minority educational institutions.
Paper II
1. Answer any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 2 × 15
= 30
1. Present a complete picture of India's efforts for a permanent seat in the UN Security
Council.
2. Explain the political and economic implications of the Indo-Iran gas pipeline.
2. Write about the following (answer to each question Should be in about 20 words): 5 × 2 = 10
46
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1. Indians in China
2006
1. What is right to life and personal liberty? How have the courts expanded its meaning in recent
.in
years?
House of Parliament?
am
Answer anyone of the following (in about 250 words): 30
1. What is the ‘strategic partnership’ between India and United States of America? What are its
implications for both the partners?
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each): 2 × 15 = 30
1. How would you differentiate between the passage of a Constitution Amendment Bill and of an
Ordinary Legislative Bill?
3. Is the High Court's power to issue ‘writs’ wider than that of the
2. Answer these
4. To what extent can the President withhold his assent to a Bill already passed by the Parliament?
1. What are the social and economic consequences of abolishing child labor in India?
2. Explain the implications of the implementation of intellectual Property Clauses in our patent law
regime after joining the WTO.
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
1. Explain the social constraints in bringing about gender equality in Indian society.
.in
2. What are the problems related to the rehabilitation of the mentally challenged persons in
India?
3. Bring out the issues involved in implementing compulsory primary education in India.
am
Write about the following (in about20 words each): 5 × 2 = 10
2. Female foeticide
3. RCI
4. UNlDO
xa
5. S. Chandrasekhar
1. Write about any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
1. Simla Agreement
1. Write about any two of the following (in, about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
1. G − 8 Summit in Russia
4. Maastricht Treaty
3. Write about the following, by expanding and explaining the objectives (in about 20 words each):
xa
2 × 5 = 10
1. ICJ
2. INTELSAT
3. IBRD
4. WMO
5. WHO
2007
1. What is a Constitution? What are the main sources of the Indian Constitution?
49
xaam.in
2. Bring out the differences between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State
Policy. Discuss some of the measures taken by the Union and State Governments for the
implementation of the Directive Principles of State
Policy.
1. What is regionalism? In which way regionalism has affected the Indian Polity.
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
1. What are the exceptions when the President of India is not bound by the aid and advice of the
Council of Ministers?
1. what were the main recommendations of the Platform for Action (PFA) adopted at the Beijing
Women Conference 1995?
Write notes on any two of the following (in about 125 words each): 10 × 2 = 20
1. Answer any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 15 ×
2 = 30
2. Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 wordS): 2 × 5 = I 0
1. SAFTA
5. Relevance of NAM
3. Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words): 2 × 5 = 10
3. Madheshis in Nepal
1. G − 8 Summit 2007
3. Global Governance
4. Operation Silence
3. Write about the following by expanding and explaining the objectives (in about 20 Words each):
2 × 5 = 10
1. ICT4D
2. BEMs
3. IAEA
51
xaam.in
4. BIMSTEC
5. ECJ
2008
.in
7 Answer each of the following in about 20 words(2*5=10)
elected?
Do you
think there is a need of review of the Indian Constitution? Justify your answer
a.MTP act
Write notes on any two of the following (answer to the question should be in about 150 words) :
2x30=00
(a) India and the New World Order
(b) Indo-Bhutan Relations
.in
(c) India and China : Strategy to Boost Ties
2.Write about the following (answer to each should be in about 20 words) : t&>) =10
(a) India’s Ocean Development Policy
am
(b) Major hurdles in Indo-Pak ties
GCC
G-77
ICRC
MERCOSUR
INTERPOL
2009
.in
Assess the significance of coastal regions in the economic development of India.
am
Discuss the wetlands and their role in the ecological conservation in India.
Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for regionally differentiated approach to increase crop
production and diversification in the country.
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each) 15 × 2 = 30
xa
1. What are your views on the features and impact of Domestic Violence Act, 2005?
2. Are the traditional determinants of voting behavior in India changing? Examine in the context of
last General Elections.
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each) 15 × 2 = 30
1. Mushrooming of Higher Educational Institutions was a matter of grave concern for Yashpal
Committte. With reference to the relevant portion of that report give your views how to
harmonise private investment and quality of education.
2. In the changing context of governance in the country, what should be the role of the UPSC?
nswer any one of the following questions (in about 250 words each) 30
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xaam.in
1. Comment on the salient features of the Integrated Energy Policy recently approved by the
government and its implication on the energy security needs of the country.
2. How far has impact of the global meltdown been reflected in the Economic Survey 2008 − 09?
Identify some of the core areas given priority to neutralize the adverse effects of the global
downturn.
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each) 15 × 2 = 30
2. The Last National Family Health Survey (NFHS) displayed a very dismal picture of nutrition as
regards several indicators for average Indians. Highlights the salient aspects of this problem.
3. ‘As we live in a plural society we need the greatest freedom to expresss our opinions even if
others find it offensive’ Do you agree? Discuss with reference to some recent incidents in the
Indian context.
.in
1. Desert National Park 2 × 10 = 20
5. Ayush-64
9. Pocket Veto
1. Write notes on any three of the following (in about 150 words each) 3 × 15 = 45
2. Write brief notes on any four of the following in about 50 words each 4 × 5 = 20
2. Your view on the recent ‘Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order 2009
Order’
3. Wakhan Corridor
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2. Sino Myanmar relations
2010
am
1.Critically examine the differing estimates for (i) poverty figures, and (ii) GDP growth data for April-June
2010, that have been in the news recently. In your view, what estimates are more reflective of the
ground reality, and why? 20
2.Small-holder farms need to be strengthened to achieve national food security.” Do you agree with this
xa
assessment? Substantiate. 12
3.“Upliftment of the neglected sections of society will be best served with many more centers of the
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University.” Expand on the assertion made. 12
4.Comment on the recommendations of the Wadhwa Commission on the Public Distribution System.
5
5.Comment on the salient features of the recent draft Model Real Estate (Regulation of Development)
Act of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation of the Central Government. 12
6.Distinguish between the objectives, structure and functioning of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan’
and the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti 12
7.With respect to Cooperative Societies what are the salient features of the 106th and 111th
Constitutional Amendment Bills as at present? 12
8.What are the grounds of disqualification of a Member of Parliament from either House? Quote
relevant provisions in your answer. 12
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9.Legislative powers assigned to the Rajya Sabha under Art. 249 and Art. 312 of the Constitution 5
10.Bring out the powers and responsibilities attached to the office of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
12
11.How is disagreement between the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of a State in
passing of an ordinary Bill, resolved?
2011
1. ‘Essentially all that is contained in part IV-A of the Constitution is just a codification of tasks
integral to the Indian way of life.’ Critically examine this statement.
.in
2. ‘The exercise of executive clemency is not a privilege but is based on several principles, and
discretion has to be exercised in public considerations.’ Analyse this statements in the context of
the judicial powers of the President of India.
am
3. Discuss the extent, causes, and implications of the ‘nutrition transition’ said to be underway in
India.
4. Bring out the salient features of the PCPNDT Act, 1994, and the implications of its amendment in
2003.
1. Critically examine the design of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) scheme. Do you
think it has a better chance of success than the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) in
achieving its objectives?
2. Highlight the structure, objectives and role of the Advertising Standards Council of India, In what
way has the August 2006 government notification made it more effective?
5. Benefits and potential drawbacks of ‘cash-transfers’ to ‘Below Poverty Line’ (BPL) households.
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6. New initiatives during the 11th Five Year Plan in the National Programme for Control of
Blindness (NPCB).
List the Central Asian Republics and identify those of particular strategic and economic importance to
India. Examine the opportunities and bottlenecks in enhancing relations with these countries.
Critically examine the security and strategic implications of the so-called ‘string of pearls’ theory for
India.
“Compared to the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation Free Trade Area (BIMSTEC FTA) seems to be more promising.”
Critically evaluate.
1. Subsequent to the Nuclear Suppliers'Group (NSG) waiver in 2008, what are the agreements on
nuclear energy that India has signed with different countries?
2. Trace the progress of India's efforts for a joint counter-terrorism strategy with China. What are
.in
the likely implications of the recent Xinjiang violence on these efforts?
3. Bring out the importance of the ‘Small and Medium Enterprises Expo and Conference’ held in
Dubai last year for Indian business.
4. What are the salient features of the political and economic relationship between India and
am
South Africa?
1. “The causes and implications of the Jasmine Revolution and its spread are as much economic in
nature as they are political.” Critically evaluate.
xa
2. In the context of the ‘Euro-zone’ debt crisis, examine the proposed ‘six-pack’ solution. Do you
think that this has a better chance of success than the earlier Stability and Growth Pact?
1. “As regards the increasing rates of melting of Arctic Sea ice, the interests of the Arctic Council
nations may not coincide with those of the wider world.” Explain.
2. Is there still a role for the concept of balance of power in contemporary international politics?
Discuss.
3. “Strategic interests seem to be replacing commercial interests for the host country with regard
to Cam Ranh Bay.” Amplify.
4. To what extent has the withdrawal of al-Shabab from Mogadishu given peace a real chance in
Somalia? Assess.
5. On a Formula-one F − 1 racing car track, information to drivers is generally signalled through the
standardized use of flags of different colours. Describe the meanings associated with any six
flags listed below:
58
xaam.in
1. White flag
2. Black flag
3. Yellow flag
4. Blue flag
6. Chequered flag
.in
3. Strategies adopted by Colombia to eliminates its drug cartels
1. The issue of tourism in core areas of tiger reserve forests in the country is a subject matter of
debate. Critically examine various aspects of this issue, keeping in view relevant recent judicial
pronouncements.
1. “There is an urgent need for the Planning Commission to revise the chapter on health in the
12th Plan document.” Comment.
2. The Union Cabinet recently cleared the proposal to rename and amend the Child Labour
(Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. What are the salient features of the proposed
amendments?
1. What are the Rights within the ambit of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution?
2. Comment on the significance of the Preamble contained in the Right to Information Act.
59
xaam.in
3. To implement one key recommendation of the Mohini Giri Committee, the Government has
recently announced the constitution of a National Council. Highlight the composition and the
mandate of this National Council.
5. Determining the ‘value’ assigned to the vote of a Member of a State Legislative Assembly and of
a Member of Parliament in the Indian Presidential elections.
6. Do you think that China’s emergence as one of the largest trading partners of India had
adversely affected the settlement of the outstanding border problem?
. Answer any five of the following in about 150 words each: (15×5=75)
1. Write a short analytical note on Indian Diaspora. How is the “New Diaspora” different from the
“Old Diaspora”?
.in
2. Why have the resource rich African and South Asian countries remained poor for decades?
Explain.
3. Does Putin’s return as President of Russia mark a shift to a confrontationist stance in
international diplomacy towards the West?
am
4. Analyse critically the interlinkages between the Convention on Biological Diversity and FAO
Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
5. Critically review the international concern in achieving the targets set for the Millennium
Development Goals.
2. How have the US sanctions against Iran affected India’s bilateral relations with Iran?
3. What is meant by the G8+5 group?
4. What are India’s stakes in the South China Sea?
2013
1. 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?
2. Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the
Constitution.
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3. 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.
4. The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the
Constitution.’ Discuss critically.
5. 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.
6. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and
solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.
7. Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure
from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.
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agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.
9. The concept of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early
beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given
impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest
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mandates and success.
10. Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the
above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.
11. The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-
finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the
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concept. Discuss.
12. The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State
Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of
Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable
sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation.
Critically evaluate.
13. Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize
corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
14. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing
connectivity. Comment.
15. Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the
success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same.
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16. Though Citizen’s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations,
there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of
services being provided. Analyse.
17. ‘A national Lokpal,however strong it may be,cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public
affairs’. Discuss.(200 words).
18. The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in
2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light
of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own
strategic interests.
19. What do you understand by The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the
steps taken by India to counter this.
20. Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their
potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.
21. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society
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between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?
22. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause
of concern to India?
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23. In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
24. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
25. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two
inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order.
Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role,
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2014
(Answer the questions in NOT MORE THAN 200 words each. 3hrs )
1. Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive
role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate
the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.
2. Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic
features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a
strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.
3. The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article
105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated
privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the
‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed?
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4. What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover
hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms
of expression? Discuss.
5. Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as
denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such
petitions? Analyse.
6. The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime
Minister can manage as a team. How far the efficacy of a government then is inversely related
to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.
7. Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and
general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI
in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically
evaluate the pros and cons.
8. The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian
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Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking
into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to
benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators.
9. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are
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adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In
light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the
judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards.
10. The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in
development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.
11. Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting
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required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban
economics?
12. An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are
showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state
sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as
encouragement.
13. Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more
academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of
students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges.
14. Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India?
Critically examine.
15. Two parallel run schemes of the Government viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary
and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On
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merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of
the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.
16. With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the
need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight
throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.
17. The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on
information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact should such agreements
have on India’s interests?
18. Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation
stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the
leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept
such conditions in the Indian context.
19. India has recently signed to become founding a New Development Bank (NDB) and also the
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) .How will the role of the two Banks be different?
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Discuss the significance of these two Banks for India.
20. WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in profound
manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse
India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.
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2015
Each Question is worth 12.5 marks and maximum word limit is 200. But content of the answer is more
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1. Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as
provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
2. The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years.
Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism
would answer the shortcomings.
3. In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, `Panchayats’ and
‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of
governance. Critically discuss.
4. Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often
delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions
taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard.
5. Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of
powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances,
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analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated
resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed?
6. What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the
recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute
resolution mechanism? Discuss.
7. Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali?
Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in
this regard.
8. Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.
9. The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has
proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment
programmes. Elucidate.
10. How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to
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protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.
11. The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally
competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve
the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss.
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12. Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that
the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you
suggest?
13. Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in
poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural
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poverty indicators.
14. In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance
to ensure transparency, accountability.
15. “If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there
may be no one left to protect.” Critically evaluate.
16. “For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions
remain independent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of the experiences in recent past.
17. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine.
18. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.
19. Project `Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to
improve relationship with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.
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20. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the
use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the
two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.
2016
1. 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?
2. 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.
3. “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of
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contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.
4. 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.
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5. Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in
the present circumstances?
6. What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key
importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?
7. Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.
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8. What is quasi judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.
9. Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and
primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance?
10. “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically
examine this statement.
11. “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the
governance system are inter-dependent/” Discuss their relationship in the context of India.
12. In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the
legal, political, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.
13. Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization,
Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive
to this important change?
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14. “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic
development in India.” Comment.
15. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its
implementation.
16. “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes
more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the
government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable?
17. “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the
era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences
between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective.
18. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the
post Cold War international scenario.
19. “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs
of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian
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Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples.
20. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s
position on these?
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2017
Total marks 250. Total duration: 3 hours. Date: 30/10/2017.
1. Explain the salient features of the constitution (One Hundred and First
Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove
cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods
and services’?
2. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement
of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy.
3. The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two
houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally
happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof.
4. To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of
India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested
reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?
5. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the
problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons
in support of your answer.
6. ‘The emergence of Self Help Groups(SHGs) in contemporary times points to
the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities’.
Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures
taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs.
7. ‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and
unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the
performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India.
8. Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality
and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you
agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services.
Comment
9. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of
India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with
West Asian Countries.
10. Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’
economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East
Asia in this context
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1979
1.State the distinctive features of the national budget for 1979 − 80. To what extent
are the present inflationary trends derived from the budget provisions (About 200
words)? 25
2.Answer these:
a. Briefly review our achievements in industrial development over the plan periods.
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What roles have been assigned to the Public Sector and the Small-Scale
Industries in our industrial development plans and programmes (About 500
words)?
OR
3.Briefly review India's Energy resources. In the context of the world shortage of
petroleum, how would you plan for meeting our rural energy needs? Discuss the
relative merits of centralised generation, supply and distribution of energy vis-a-vis
generation of energy at consumer points or centers (About 500 words).
OR
Comment critically on the impact that modern Science and Technology have made on
the attitudes, life styles, social structures and economic wellbeing of the people in the
rural areas in India (About 500 words).
4.Answer any two of the following in not more than 150 words each:
a.Why is there a concentration of jute mills along the Hoogly and chemical industries in
Gujarat?
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d. What are the current problems facing the Tarapur Atomic Power Project and what
steps are being considered to overcome them?
5.Answer any two of the following in not more than 150 words each:
a. What has been the contribution of Science and Technology to the development of
Indian Agriculture?
b.Indicate the sources of atmospheric pollution in the major urban centers in India and
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the steps to be taken to minimise the problem.
c. Explain briefly the impact of the Computer and Industry, Education and Public
Services in India.
d. Give a brief review of India's accomplishments in the field of space science and
Technology.
1980
1.Appraise the performance of the Public Sector Enterprises in India with reference to
their objectives and the role assigned to them. Give your concrete suggestions for xxx
up their performance (About 500 words)
(The answers to each part should be contained in about 150 words) Answer any two of the following
2.What is the scope of the Farakka Barrage and what are the problems relating to it? What proposals
have been put forward to resolve the problems and with that results?
3. Briefly outline the uses of sickness of industries particularly to the xxx region of India. What are the
concrete measures which are being taken to meet the situation and with what xxx?
4. xxx the performance of the Power (Electricity) xxx India? What is the impact of xxx power xx and
frequent power cuts on production and growth? What steps could be taken to xxx up the performance
of this vital sector of the economy?
5. Can the agricultural development, we have achieved so far, be considered adequate? If so, why? If
not, why not?
6. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words):
a. Evaluate the impact and implications of the xxx and the launching of the Rohini with particular
reference to xxx
b. Why has there been a recrudescence of Malaria in India? What steps should be taken to prevent its
spread and to eradicate it eventually?
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c.What is the scope of the Silent Valley Project and what are the issues which have been raised in
relation to it? Having regard to the different views expressed. How should the Central Government
proceed further in regard to this project?
d.What are mini-computers? Comment on the economic and social implications of this innovation.
Answer any ten of the following: (Answer to each question on should be given in 1 or 2 sentences) 30
What is a laser beam?
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Name two antibiotics which are commonly used.
What is a Blast Furnace? Name the inputs into the Blast Furnace.
What is Geothermal? Mention a few areas where we have located geothermal resources in India.
What is Bombay High? What is SAGAR SAMRT's connection with Bombay High? Name two major ports
xxx in India's eastern and western sea coasts and the major exports/imports through each of these
ports.
What is India's largest departmental undertakings public sector enterprise as measured by the
investments made in. What are the investments made in 1 and 2?
What are super thermal power stations? Where are they being established in India and by which
Agency?
Distinguish Fusion from Fission. Which process is relevant to generation of power in Atomic Power
Stations at present?
Why is fertilizer capacity expressed in terms of tons of xxx? What is India's fertilizer manufacturing
capacity?
What is a ‘solid-state device’ Mention two manufactured items in which such devices find applications.
1981
1.What is territorial Army? For what reasons has it been constituted? Who are eligible to join it? What
incentives are given to the members of the Territorial Army (Not more than 100 words)? 15
2.Name the main combat aircraft which are in active service in Indian Air Force. Which of them is
obsolete or obsolescent? What have been the recent acquisitions of combat aircraft for use in our Air
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Force? What options are open to Indian Air Force to match the F − 16 Aircraft, which is being acquired
by xxx (Not more than 100 words)? 15
3.The phenomenon of rising prices has been largely responsible for xxx Indian economy and planning cut
of welfare; it also causes hardship to the people. What are the basic reasons for continuous inflation in
India and what has been the government strategy to control it? What specific measure have been taken
by the Government of India for controlling inflation (Not more than 200 words)? 30
4. It been estimated that over Rs. 2, 000 crores of public in sick industrial units and the number of sick
units private sector is about 22, 000. What steps have Government taken in the matter (Not more than
150 words on each)? 20 Write short notes on the following: (Not more than 150 words on each) 10
1. Thal-ghatProject
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2. Operation flood
5.Removal of Poverty’ was a principal objective of the Fifth plan has been reiterated in the Sixth Plan.
Analyse the problem and the impediments involved. How is this objective likely to be realised during the
Sixth Plan (About 400 words)?
1. Health care for all by 2000 A. D is an important objective of the Sixth Five Year Plan. What steps
are being taken for the supply of safe drinking water and provide adquate nutritional
safeguards, particularly to the vulnerable sections of the community? What is the present status
of preventive medical facilities in our country (About 400 words)? 50 OR
2. What are the significant achievements of Indian scientists in the context of Space Research?
How will space technology be useful for weather prediction, telecommunications and
identification of natural resources (About 400 words)?
7.
1. Bring out the findings of the 1981 Census in regard to the growth and variations in rates
of growth of population in different parts of the country. How do you account for
population explosion during the last three decades? What measures should be adopted
for population control?
2. What is shifting cultivation? Where in India has this been localized to? Consider its
consequences and examine the steps taken by Government of prevent this practice.
3. What are ‘bearer bonds’ Why were special bearer bonds devised in February? What
were their budgetary objectives how far such bonds achieved their objectives?
8. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 15 +
15 = 30
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a. What do you understand by ecology? What measures are being taken to preserve the
wild flora and fauna and protect the endangered species of animals in India? Name
three species for which special measures have been taken to preserve. What are the
main objectives of Government science policy? What steps are being taken for the
optimum utilisation of manpower, and improvement in the quality of life and technical
education?
b. As the resources of land are getting depleted man his turning to sea for the supply of his
needs. What are the prospects of sea exploration for obtaining our requirements of
food, minerals and chemicals, oil and gas?
c. What is meant by ‘Generic Engineering’ What are the dangers associated with it? Do you
recommend we should go ahead in developing this technology (Answer each question in
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about 150 words)?
1. Group B
4. Which are the terminal stations of the Black Diamond Express? Why is this so named?
5. Why should we import wheat from USA in spite of bumper harvest in 1980 − 81?
6. Is it correct to say that the land of India slopes from West to East?
2. Group C
1. What is the ‘diamond ring effect’ observed during a solar eclipse? How is it caused?
2. Astronomers have of late, been discussing ‘black holes’ What is a ‘black holes’
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1982
1.Unemployment in India is of many types and therefore a complex issue. describe the nature if the
problem and the measures adopted to deal with it particularly in rural areas (about 150 words)
2.In their emphasis policy planners on the primacy of the rate of economic growth, some attention has
been paid to structural and ideological objective of planning in India. critically examine the satement.
(About in 150 words )
3.What is biogas technology? What beinfit are envisaged from its use? Describe the steps gov of India is
taking for its development discussing the salient features of the programme [250 words]
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4.Describe the various types of unemployment in India What are the measures devised in the Sixth Plan
to deal with the unemployment?
5.Examine the pros and cons of increasing the level of taxation on agriculture sector
6.When is the world environment day observed every year? what are the major g\factors which
contributed towards degradation of environment in India?
8.What are the main reason for launching the integrated rural development programme State the main
Objective. how it is being financed [150 words)
9.Appraise the performance of the Public Sector Enterprises in India with reference to their objectives
and the role assigned to them. Give your concrete suggestions for xxx up their performance (About 500
words).
1. What is the global energy crisis and what is its impact on India? Having regard to our situation,
environment, resources and problems, what would be the profile of an appropriate energy
policy for India? Examine critically the available alternative options (About 500 words).
2. What is the role of Scientific and Technological Research in our Economic Development Process?
What steps are necessary to adapt the nature, structure, content and result of such research to
meet the growing and complex needs xxx increasing agricultural and industrial production.
Comment briefly on the adequacy and relevance of technology developed in Western countries
for adoption by India. Is it necessary or feasible for India to achieve scientific and technological
self-sufficiency (About 500 words)?
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1983
1.Attainment of self reliance has been a major objective of planning in India. Analyse the implication of
this policy. Asses the progress made so far in this regard.
2.Describe the organization and functions of Regional Rural Banks, Review their achievments. Is there
any conflicting jurisdiction between the rural banks and the cooperative credit societies?
3.Inflation has been one of the major and persistent cause of poverty and inequality in India’ Analyse.
4.There are many artificial satellites circling the earth. Describe the various uses of these artificial
satellites. Name the satellites put in orbit by India.
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5.Discuss the Industrial Policy of India adopted in the Sixth plan, tracing the changes in Industrial policy
since Independence.
6.Felling of trees indiscriminately is considered a crime against society. Why is there emphasis against
indiscriminate felling and for planting new ones? Discuss the present policy of Farm forestry in our
country.
7.Immediately after Independence, Land reform measures were initiated to achieve the twin objective
of increasing agricultural production and attainment of social justice. What types of measures have been
taken by the State to achieve the objectives and with what results? What is the role of Union
Government in this?
8.Why was the National Cadet Corps established in 1948? How is the corps organized and who are
eligible to join it? Who are responsible for XXX the organization? What incentives are available for those,
who join the N.C.C.?
1984
1.What are the advantages to the nation in sending on man into space ? It is sometimes argued that the
problem of tackling poverty will get sidelined if we indulge in such luxurious experiments . What are
your views in this regard? 150 words
2.When were the first Olympic games held ? When and where was the modern series started at what
interval they are held ? when and where were the last Olympic games held ? what were the positions
and medals tally for top three countries
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3.When and where are the next Olympic games due to be held ? what is marathon ? how many players
play on each side in basket ball? what is national sports if Spain ? What is steeplechase?
4.What are Indian’s island territories ? What effort are being made to safeguard them ?
5.What are the terms of India china trade pact signed recently ? [1984]
6.Recall the important measures undertaken by the gov to reduce the operation of parallel economy in
India. Do you think these measures have been effective?
7.India requires 225 million tons of food grain by the end of twentieth century. briefly discuss the
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elements of the strategy of agricultural growth that can ensure an increase in food grains output to
meet the projected demand.
8.Profitability is one of the index of judging the performance of the public sector enterprises What other
indices can be used for this purpose? Do you consider the performance of the public sector has
improved in during the last decade?
9.What are the principle components of economic infrastructure? Inadequacy of infrastructure as well
as the poor utilization have been the principle bottleneck in economic development. comment
10.What is microchip? Describe the impact it can have on the technological advancement of India?
11.Describe briefly the achievements of Indian Scientist in the exploration of marine resources,
12.Protein deficiency is a major nutritional problem among the Indian masses. What are the serious
consequences of protein deficiency?
13.Evaluate the limitation and advantages of use of soya beans as a source of protein
14.Describe the different modes of irrigation practices in India and bring out the relative importance in
the field of recent development in irrigation.
15.Soil erosion is one of the most crucial problem in India as it offers the most frightening prospects for
the ### years. Describe the various Kinds of Erosion and mention the steps which may be taken for the
protection of the land
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17.per capita availability if the cereals in India has during the past two decades (it remained constt
(ii)gone up (III) Gone down
1985
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1.What measures have been taken by the gov of India to develop our own sources for the supply of
petroleum crude? Discuss the measure of success achieved in this regard.
2.Why are floods such a recurrent feature in India? Discuss the measures taken by the government to
flood control.
3.The current tech of nuclear power generation is based upon the fission process, what are the other
methods possible for the generation of nuclear power with reference to the Indian conditions.?
3.What are genetic diseases give some examples? what are the prospect of treatment of patients
suffering from such diseases? can these patients be cured?
4.What are psychotic drugs? Give a few examples? what are their effects?
5.Drug abuse and drug addiction have become a serious problem in many countries. What steps have
been taken to help the victim of drug abuse?
12.Examine the case for balances\d regional development as an objective economic planning in India.
How far has been achieved?
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13.What is meant by manpower planning? Has it been carried out in India? Examine the problem of
brain drain from India
14.In the context t of the challenges to be faced in the 21 st century, it is generally felt that there is an
urgent need to re orient science education and scientific research in the country. Identify the important
areas that need reorientation and suggest steps you consider necessary for the purpose.
15.Microorganisms have been harnessed by man for some time for the production of useful materials.
Point out the important developments in this area. What is the current status microbial technology in
our country?
16.What is black money and why is so called? What are the main causes of its generation in India?
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17.Examine the controversy regarding the sharp rise in the price of Sugar in India in recent past. What
steps have been taken by the government to curb it?
1986 (paper 3)
1.Objectives of Ganga Action Plan. Explain in brief the benefits of the plan(Namami Gange in 2015)
2.In course of planned economic development India’s actual growth has mostly been lower than the
projected growth. How would you explain this shortfall?
3.What is meant by a computer programme? Discuss the ### and feasibility of a computer based library
### system in India
4.What is acid rain? How does it arise? Discuss its impact on our environment.
5.What is remote sensing technique? Name the various regional remote sensing centers in India. What
specific purposes are served by remote sensing operations?
7.How far it is justified to say that the Budget of this country is gamble against the monsoon? To what
extent have developmental ### solved the problem
8.Recall the set of incentives available for the investment by the Non Resident Indians. What are the
likely uses and abuses of such investment?
9.What is a white revolution? Discuss the different factors which have helped to bring about this
revolution in India.
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12.What is engenics
1987
1.What are superconductors? What is their relevance to the future developments? What is India's
position in this field (About 75 words)?
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2.Examine the working of the Public Distribution System in India, with particular reference to its
objectives and constraints. Suggest a set of measures towards an improvement in the present system
(About 250 words). (40)
OR
Account for the growing incidence of industrial sickness in India. Would you advocate privatization of
these sick units? Give reasons for your answer (About 250 words).
a. Scarcity of safe drinking water is an acute problem in a large number of villages in India. Point out the
factors which make even the available water unfit for drinking by the rural population. What steps
would you recommend to make such water potable (About 250 words)? (40)
OR
Expert opinion is sharply divided regarding the advisability or otherwise of building nuclear power
plants in India. Summarize the chief arguments on either side and suggest what according to you would
be a wiser policy (About 250 words).
4.Answer the following questions What are the following and what are their functions (About 25 words
for each)? (15)
Coast Guard
Territorial Army
5.Comment on the employment strategy as envisaged in our Seventh Five Year Plan.
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6.Give an account of the mechanism employed in India to transfer financial resources from the Centre to
the States.
7. Distinguish clearly between ‘Joint Ventures’ and ‘Foreign Collaboration’ Use appropriate examples to
illustrate from India's recent experience.
8.What do you understand by Ecological Balance? Why is this balance necessary? What is being done in
India today to maintain this balance?
9. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (15 + 15)
a.Some of the modern agricultural practices being used at present in India are leading to undesirable
consequences. Do you agree with this view?
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b.Comment on the state of computer technology in India today. In this context, point out the possible
uses to which super-computers could be put.
c. It is believed that the use of fiber optics will revolutionize the telecommunication technology. What
progress has been made in India in this field?
d.What is immunization? Mention the steps being taken to immunize the rural population against
common diseases to which they are generally prove.
11. What are the likely advantages of the recent Government policy of Broad-banding?
12.Despite an increase in the pay-packet, the purchasing power of the people has not really gone up.
How can this happen?
13.The economic offenders often thrive in a parallel economy. Is it true or false? Explain your view.
14. What are the limitations of mechanized farming in the Indian context?
15. Recall three specific incentives given by our government to attract industries to the backward areas.
Name two such areas and their location.
1988
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What do you know of the ‘Project Tiger’ How and when was it initiated? Name any five tiger reserves in
the country (10).
Discuss the problem of rural unemployment in India. What specific schemes have been launched by the
Government to generate employment opportunities in rural areas (About 250 words)?
(40) OR
Discuss the contribution of public sector enterprises to the economic development of India. Are these
enterprises generating enough resources for further investment in the economy (About 250 words)?
Answer the following questions Trace the growth of Science museums in India. Examine their role in
promoting science awareness and the spirit of scientific temper among the common people (About 250
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words).
(40)
OR What is Integrated Pest Control Management? Comment on its current status in the Country (About
250 words)?
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20)
There is renewed emphasis on district planning in India. Examine its rationale, past experience and
scope for success
Examine the debt burden of the Government on India. Is the country heading towards a ‘debt trap’
Discuss the progress of Indian economy during ‘Forty Years of Freedom’ What structural changes do you
think, have taken place in the economy?
What are ‘administered prices’ and what is their role? Examine their impact on the general price level.
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20)
State the types of environmental pollution and some of the places where it has occurred due to the
progress of industrialization in India. Which parts of India were mainly affected by the severe drought of
1987 − 88? What were its main consequences?
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20)
The Government of India has recently set up a Department of Food Procession. What are its functions?
Some experts an of the opinion that the dams and the reservoirs located in different parts of the
country may lead to undesirable consequences. How far are these fears justified? What are the aims of
the New Technology Policy? What steps are being taken to improve the standards of technical
education? What is fluorosis? What can be done to minimise its harmful effects?
What is El Nino? How is it relevant to India? What is a Compact Disc? Explain the meaning and the uses
of gene therapy. What are the harmful consequences of excessive noise? Advances in biotechnology
have led to the creation of new micro-organisms previously unknown in nature. What are their users?
What's Ozone pollution?
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Page 14
Distinguish between the status, organization and specific roles of the Planning Commission and the
Finance Commission in India (About 250 words). (40) OR What are the basic objectives of agricultural
price policy of the Government of India & how is it implemented (About 250 words)? Answer the
following questions The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has established a number of
laboratories for interacting with industry and development of indigenous technologies. Citing specific
examples, point out the significant achievements of CSIR in the last one decade (About 250 words). (40)
OR India is planning to provide for the generation and distribution of 38, 000 MW of electric power in
the Eighth Plan. How are these objectives to be achieved? What are the constraints that are likely to be
met with (About 250 words)?
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20)
What are the main components of the non-Plan expenditure of the Government of India? Discuss the
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recent trends in the growth of this expenditure.
Despite having high saving and investment rates. India is experiencing a low growth rate. Why is it so?
What is the economic rationale for undertaking the Backward Area Development Programme? Discuss
the specific measures taken by the Government in this direction.
What is meant by a high cost economy? Has India developed into a high cost economy and if so, how?
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (15 + 15)
What are the salient features of the hill economy of Northern India, and how do these account for its
relative backwardness?
How has modern technology contributed to a better forecasting of weather? Mention the particular
efforts made in India in this regard.
What geopolitical and economic advantages are enjoyed by India due to its location in the southern
part of the Continent of Asia?
Examine the production and supply of edible oil in India. What are its main source crops and where are
they grown?
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20)
Describe the important new techniques which are being introduced in India for crop improvement.
It has been estimated that there are more than four million leprosy patients in India. What steps are
being taken by the Government of India for their treatment and rehabilitation?
What are the non-conventional sources of energy relevant in the Indian Context? Comment on the
status of the technologies available for their utilization.
Water-conservation has assumed an urgency particularly in drought prone areas. What are the methods
available for controlling water evaporation from large surfaces (e. g. Ponds and tanks) and improving the
water-holding capacity of the soil?
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Answer four questions from each group (Answer to each question should be in about 25 words). (30)
Group A
What are ‘economic’ offences? Name two such offences and the laws enacted in India to deal with
them.
Name the minerals used in generating nuclear energy and the places where they are found in India.
Group C
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Give the names of three missiles developed by India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development
Programme. Briefly mention their capabilities.
What are anabolic steroids? Give one example. Why have they been in the news recently?
1990
1. Identify and analyses a few major management problems which the Indian public
enterprises are facing today. In the light of your analysis, would you advocate
privatisation of some of our public enterprises (About 250 words)? (40) OR
2. What is the rationale for decentralized planning in India? Discuss the obstacles that have
stood in the way of such planning (About 250 words)?
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1. What are the main recommendations of the Montreal Protocol to protect the Ozone
layer? What are the implications for India of the latest convention held at London
(About 250 words)? (40) OR
1. Answer any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words:) (20 +
20)
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1. What is the economic rationale behind the establishment of growth centers? Explain
briefly the criteria for selecting three growth centers.
2. State and explain briefly the economic implications of the Right to Work.
3. Discuss the factors that have led to the recent increase in the general price level and the
measures taken by the Government to Combat it.
4. What measures have been taken under the Five Year Plans increase employment
opportunities in rural areas?
2. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (15 +
15)
2. What is the need for soil conservation? What are the major measures taken by the
Government towards conserving soil in India?
4. As part of the process of ‘urban sprawl’ distinguish between urban peripheral growth,
suburbs and satellite towns giving, at least, one example of each type from any
metropolitan center of India.
3. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 +
20)
1. Briefly describe the Karimnagar experiment for application of Science and Technology
for regional development.
2. The ICMR has cautioned that the dreaded disease AIDS might spread in the next few
years in India too. What steps are recommended for its control?
3. Aqua culture (inland fish farming) is considered to have an important role in increasing
the food supply and generate employment. What steps are being taken by the
Government to encourage aqua culture?
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Section III
1. Answer four questions from Group A, three from Group B and three from Group C (In about 25
words). (30)
1. Group A
2. What is an industrial sick unit? Name the Indian industry where the problem of
industrial sickness is very acute.
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4. Explain the term captive power station What is the aim of setting up of such
stations?
Group C
6. Mention the breakthrough made in NCL in the field of plant-genetics and explain its significance
(8).
1991
What role were the Public Sector Undertakings expected to play in our planning process? Briefly state
the current policy of the Government of India with respect to Public Sector Undertakings (About 250
words). (40) OR
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Page 18
Are there good reasons behind the suggestion that in the new programme of economic liberalization,
India should go slow in the matter of ‘exit policy’ (About 250 words)?
Discuss the potential of solar energy utilization in India (About 250 words). (40) OR
1. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each questions should be in about 150 words) (20 +
20)
1. Analyze the main defects of Indian Trade Union Movement.
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3. What, according to you, are the remedies to the problem of rural indebtedness in India?
4. What are the factors that ensure the success of the Public Distribution System?
2. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each questions should be in about 150 words) (15 +
15)
1. What do you understand by the Integrated Rural Energy System? Also mention at least
three new sources of Energy.
2. Examine the recent developments that have taken place in identifying and mapping land
resources in India.
3. Explain the factors affecting the distribution of population in India, bringing out the
variation in density over space.
4. Account for the varied environmental problems resulting from wide spread
deforestation in both Aravallis and Himalayan regions.
3. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each questions should be in about 150 words) (20 +
20)
1. Trace the progress of India's Space Research Programmes? What are its significant
achievements?
3. What is the basis of monsoon forecasts now prepared by the Indian Meteorological
Department, which have been reasonably correct for the last three successive years?
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2. Discuss the measures taken in the Five-Year Plans to mitigate rural poverty (About 250
words). (40)
3. What is artificial intelligence? What is its current scenario and what are its prospects
(About 250 words)? (40) OR
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Section III
1. Answer four questions from Group A, three from Group B and three from Group C (Answer to
each question should be in about 25 words each) (30)
1. Group A
3. What is ICICI?
1. CRISIL
2. SEBI
3. SHCI
Group C
4. What is Hepatitis E?
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Page 20
5. What are ocean floor polymetallic sulphides? Where is the largest occurrence of deposits
reported?
6. Name the main offshore oil field of India and the agency which operates it.
1992
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20)
1. What is Partial Convertibility & rupee? What are its basic objectives? How is it going to
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benefit the Indian economy?
2. Discuss the main features of India's Eighth Five-Year Plan with special reference to the
agricultural sector.
3. What are the main sources of short-term and long-term finance for Indian industries?
4. Explain the term Integrated Rural Development Bringing out its strategic importance.
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (15 + 15)
2. Mention some of the new programmes that have been undertaken in recent years in respect of
nuclear research in India.
3. What do you understand by Environmental Pollution? Mention the various kinds of pollution
and their effect on human health in India.
4. Briefly explain the use of various chemical fertilizers in Indian agriculture.
Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 + 20)
1. Discuss briefly the importance of the cryogenic engine for India's space programme.
2. What is a fast breeder reactor? Discuss briefly its role in India's nuclear energy programme.
3. What are bio fertilizers? What advantages do they have over chemical fertilizers?
Section III
1. Answer four questions from three groups (Answer to each question should been about 25
words). (30)
1. Group A
1. Distinguish between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product
(GNP)
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1. FAO
2. FOB
3. GATT
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1. Group C
1. PUFA
2. VHRR
3. HDTV
4. What is ‘Maitri’
1993
1. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 +
20)
1. What measures have been taken by the Government of India to attract direct foreign
investment, as a part of the new strategy of Industrial Development in India?
2. It is claimed that the price situation in India improved considerably in 1992 − 93 with a
gradual decline in the annual rate of inflation in the course of the year. What are the
factors that moderated the inflationary pressures?
3. In a developing country like ours what according to you, should be the basis of taxation-
income or consumption? Spell out your arguments clearly.
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Page 22
2. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (15 +
15)
1. Give your assessment of the soundness of large river valley project a with high dams vis-
avis smaller river valley projects.
2. Which parts of India are described as ‘arid zones’ Comment on the characteristics and
economic activities prevalent in these regions?
4. What is social forestry? Describe how social forestry can help in the uplift of the rural
poor.
3. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (20 +
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20)
2. Describe how biotechnology is finding use in medicine. Give a few current examples.
4. What is RDX made of? Why has it been in the news lately?
Section III
1. Answer four questions from three groups (Answer to each question should be in about
2swords): (30)
1. Group A
1. What does SDR stand for? How are the countries benefited by it?
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Page 23
12. ANURAG
13. HVDC
14. GMRT
1994
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1. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 +
20)
2. Indicate briefly the tax reforms that have been introduced in India after the coming in of
the New Economic Policy.
3. Discuss the desirability of removing all controls in India on the import and export of
agricultural commodities.
4. What is innovation? What kind of economic compulsions in a country like India, you
think, could really stimulate innovations?
2. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (15 +
15)
1. What is exclusive economic zone of a country. Discuss its relevance to India.
3. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (20 +
20)
4. What is DNA fingerprinting? which research institution in India is working in this area?
Section III
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Page 24
1. Answer four questions for three groups (Answer to each equation should be in about 25 words):
(30)
1. Group A
6. What is Talsur?
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7. What is Piezoelectricity?
9. C-DAT
10. SROSS
11. INSDOC
1995
1. In what ways do land reforms help agricultural growth? Briefly state the aim of land
reforms as envisaged in the Eighth Five Year Plan (About 250 words). 40 OR
2. Do you agree with the view that, in a country like India, a tax on wealth would be a
useful supplement to the income tax? Argue the case in the light of Raja Chelliah Tax
Reform
1. What is ‘greenhouse effect’ What are its adverse effects on the Earth's environment?
What steps are being taken to check the same (About 250 words)? (40) OR
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Page 25
3. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words) (20 + 20)
5. What policy has the Government of India adopted in recent years to protect our
environment, control pollution and maintain ecological balance? State briefly.
6. Do you think that income tax reduces economic incentives? Give your reasons.
7. What has been the rationale for deregulating commercial bank's lending rates as a
policy strategy?
20)
xaam.in
1. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 +
1. Answer four questions from three groups (Answer to each question should be in about 25 words):
(30)
1. Group A
1. What are fringe benefits?
2. What is croup of 77?
3. Which sector of the economy is the informal sector?
4. What is Call Money?
1996
1. Comment on the view that economic planning can raise the rate of capital formation
appreciably above the rate attainable under a system of private saving and investment
(About 250 words). 40
2. Explain the factors responsible for the decline in the value of Indian Rupee vis-a-vis US
Dollar during the Financial year 1995 − 96. Enumerate the corrective measures undertaken by the
Reserve Bank of India in this regard (About 250 words).
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Page 26
1. Describe how India's space programme has helped in its socio-economic development
(About 250 words). 40
2. What are Intellectual Property Rights? Why are Indian scientists concerned about the
new patent regimes (About 250 words)?
1. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 +
20)
1. What measures do you suggest to raise the volume of Public Savings in our country?
Briefly state the importance of such savings for the contemporary economic scene.
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2. Briefly comment on the purpose and type of changes made in our tax structure in the
context of liberalisation and structural reforms during the first half of the 1990s.
4. How is poverty-line defined in India? Briefly enumerate the measures undertaken by the
2. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (15 +
15)
1. Mention the advantages which India enjoys being at the head of the Indian Ocean.
2. What is shifting cultivation? Describe its salient characteristics with reference to India?
4. What is ozone hole? How is it formed and what effect does it have on the earth?
3. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words) (20 +
20)
Section III
1. Answer four questions from Group A, three from Group B and three from Group C> (Answer to
each question should be in about 25 words): 30
1. Group A
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Page 27
Group C
1. What is centchroman?
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2. What is ultrasonography?
1. C-DOT
2. CGCRI
3. INMAS
6. Where are the following located (Give the name of the city and state)?
1997
1. Answer any two of the following: (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words)
1. Discuss the steps taken by the government in recent years to control inflation.
2. What measures has the government taken to make women economically independent
and self-reliant during the last decade?
3. Examine the important changes in India's Industrial Policy since the year 1991.
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Page 28
Commission of India.
2. Answer any two of the following: (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words)
3. Why is there a demand for making Uttarakhand a Separate Hill State in India?
4. Why has the Narmada River Valley Project attracted the attention of the common
people?
3. Answer any two of the following: (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words)
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1. What is cryogenic engine? Explain its importance to our country.
4. What is Polio? Name its few features and how it can be prevented.
Section III
1. Answer four from Group A, three from Group B and three from Group C (Answer to each
question should be in about 25 words).
1. Group A
1. Why was HODVAT Scheme introduced in the year 1986?
Group C
1. What is the safe level of noise for the human ear? Give the noise level of electric bell.
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Page 29
3. What is E-mail?
1. TIFR
2. GRDO
3. NEERI
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1998
1. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words). 20 +
20
1. What are the main reasons for industrial sickness in India? How can it be overcome?
3. Comment on the view that Monetary Policy in India is used more as a stabilisation
device rather than as a development tool.
4. What has been the role of NRIs in the economic development of India in the recent
past?
2. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words). 15 +
15
2. Which parts of India have been identified as draught prone? Mention the norms for
such identification.
3. Describe the changes that have taken place in the direction of international trade of
India since independence.
4. How do the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep differ in the geological
evolution and topographical conditions?
3. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words). 20 +
20
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Page 30
4. Answer FOUR questions from Group A, THREE from Group B and THREE from Group C (Answer
to each question should be in about 25 words) 10 × 3 = 30
1. Group A
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5. What is meant by Environmental Impact Assessment?
6. What is the difference between Gross National Product and Net National
Product?
Group C
1. Why are transgenic organisms important?
2. State the importance of Antrix Corporation.
3. Why is Website getting popular?
4. What do the following stand for?
1. C-CAD
2. ICMR
3. TRAI
5. Give the functions of interferons.
6. What is the difference between E-mail and Fax?
1999
1. Answer any TWO of the following: 20 + 20 = 40 (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words):
2. Answer any TWO of the following: 15 + 15 = 30 (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words):
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Page 31
2. What is dry farming? Discuss its relevance in augmenting the food supply in India.
3. Name the mega cities of India and mention their specific problems.
4. What is the importance of Indian Ocean for India?
3. Answer any TWO of the following: 20 + 20 = 40 (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words):
3. What is ozone hole? How is it caused and what are its implications for life on Earth?
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4. What are biosensors? Describe their uses.
Section III
2. From where was the most advanced commercial satellite of India Insat 2E launched?
2000
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Page 32
2. Control over growth of population in India is an essential condition for the country's
rapid economic development. Discuss.
2. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words). 2 ×
15 = 30
1. Discuss the reasons for the failure of the Seattle Millennium talks on the WTO (World
Trade Organisation). Discuss some implications of this failure for the Indian economy.
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2. What is (Revised) Targeted Public Distribution System? What are its main features?
3. Discuss the economic effects of Black money (Parallel economy) in Indian economy.
1. What are the main objectives of the 9th Five-Year Plan of the Government of India?
10. What do you mean by revenue deficit in the Central Government's Budget?
11. How has the Census (1991) defined the Urban Areas?
12. What are the objectives of New Economic Policy of the Government of India?
15. What has been the impact of the recent economic reforms programme on the incidence
of poverty in India?
4. Answer any two of the following (Answer to each questions should be in about 150 words). 15 ×
2 = 30
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Page 33
2. There is a wide-spread concern about the degradation of environment and the problems
that go with it. Assess the international response.
3. How can India accommodate her foreign policy principle of ‘non-intervention’ with the
emerging right to ‘intervention’?
4. Answer any one of the following (Answer should be in about 250 words). 30
5. What is the significance of the geostationary orbit? What would happen if it becomes
too crowded?
6. Why is the HIV considered so dangerous? Why has the spread of the virus proved so
difficult to contain, especially in the poorer countries of the world?
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Answer any two of the following: (Answer to each question should be in about 150
words): 15 × 2 = 30
7. How are transgenic plants different from hybrid plants and what is their relevance in
modern agriculture? Elaborate.
8. What are greenhouse gases? What impact do they have on the Earth's climate and with
what consequences? Elaborate.
2001
1. Answer any One of the following (Answer should be in about 250 words):
1. What is the incidence of poverty in India? How should poverty alleviation programmes to
constructed (30).
2. Indian economy presents a paradox of high saving rate with low-income and high saving
rate with low growth rate. Analyse (30).
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Page 34
2. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): (15
× 2 = 30)
1. Liberalization of the Indian economy since 1991 has led to excessive consumerism and
overproduction of white goods. Elucidate.
2. What are the hurdles faced by the Finance Ministers of India in keeping the fiscal deficit
below 3 − 4 percent of the GDP? Suggest steps to lower the fiscal deficit.
3. Discuss the nature and causes of the UTI crisis with particular reference to US-64. How
does this UTI fiasco affect the investment climate in India?
3. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words): (2 × 15 = 30)
1. What is ‘CRISIL’ What does it do?
2. What do you understand by Current Account Convertibility of Rupee?
3. What do you mean by providing industry status to agriculture in India?
4. Elucidate Operation Flood.
5. Expand the term nasdaq.
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6. Differentiate between galloping inflation and run-away inflation.
7. What is meant by couple protection ratio?
8. Distinguish between human development index and gender-related development index.
9. What is green GNP?
10. Distinguish between a hard currency and a soft currency.
11. Explain rolling plan.
12. Illustrate Lorenz curve.
13. What is meant by trickle-down theory of development.
14. What is misery index?
15. What is meant by Most Favored Nation policy?
2002
1. What were the main strategic concerns of the Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri
during her recent visit to India?
3. How was the dwindling of barbed variety of rice affected Siliguri-Bagdogra belt with respect to
man-animal conflict?
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1. Outline the main targets fixed in the National Population policy 2000. What have been
the follow up measures to this policy?
2. The main thrust of the EXIM Policy 2002 − 07 is on creating a framework for enhancing
India's export capability. In the light of this statement outline the salient features of
EXIM Policy 2002 − 07.
1. What are ‘Minimum Support Prices’ in agricultural products? What are their objectives?
2. Outline the main objectives and achievements of the policy of disinvestment in India?
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3. With what objectives was ‘Essential Commodities Act 1955’ amended last year?
1. What is the peak rate of Custom duty? What are its objectives in India?
10. The union budget 2002 − 03 recommended some servi ces to be taxed. Name any 4 of
these services.
13. Define Sex ration in the population of India. What is its present status?
14. Distinguish between ad-valorem and specific duties.
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1. What are the fundamental constants and their use in measurement system?
2. Discuss about ‘Environment’ its components and its awareness.
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3. What is multimedia?
1. HTML
2. FTP
3. MFLOPS
4. PLANIT
5. What is Piracy?
2003
1. Anthrax
5. Genome.
2. What were the major recommendations of the Task Force on direct taxes appointed
under the Chairmanship of Shri Vijay L. Kelkar?
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3. Point out the measures undertaken towards flexibility in capital account transactions
during the recent past.
2. Why did India have a surplus in current account balance in 2001 − 02 after a gap of 24
years?
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4. What is the main objective of the Competition Act, 2002?
5. Name the two agencies that have helped to promote Foreign Direct Investment in India.
6. What is the main thrust of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill?
10. What is the policy of the Government with respect to child labour?
12. What was the main objective of the ‘Operation Blackboard’ scheme?
14. Which are the three major items of expenditure of the Government of India on revenue
account?
15. What was the essential feature of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana?
1. What do you understand by depletion of ozone layer and why is it considered harmful?
Name ozone depleting substances and process. What international ramifications took
place to protect the ozone layer and what was the target agreed upon?
2. What is interactive television? What special advantages and derived by using VOD
services? What are the components of a typical VOD system? Which feature film was
generated first entirely on computers and in which year?
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1. What does the Solar system consist of? discuss the motion of most of the bodies
forming the solar system.
2. In which year and by which countries was International Space Station (IIS) launched?
How many countries are participating in this program? What are the unique studies
being made in the station which could not ve made so accurately on the earth?
3. Discuss the elements of ‘frozen semen technology’ What are ‘embryo transfer’
‘transgenic animals’ ‘DNA recombinant technique’
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3. What is an operating system? List the basic services provided by an operating system.
1. POSIX
2. EPROM
3. MODEM
4. COBOL
2004
1. State the comprehensive structural reforms undertaken to improve the Indian economy
since 1991.
2. Answer any TWO of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
1. Describe the recommendations of Narasimham Committee regarding the banking sector
in India.
2. Examine the effect of economic development on environmental degradation in India.
1. What are the major provisions of Agreements on Agriculture in the context of World
Trade Organisation?
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8. Explain the objectives of Plant Varieties Right Act, 2002. Answer the following questions
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10. What are the objectives of the Twelfth Finance Commission?
11. Explain the necessity and role of controls in a mixed economy like India.
12. Distinguish between primary sector, secondary sector and tertiary sector. What is the
change in the share of each sector in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during period of
1950 − 2000?
13. What is the main objective of Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?
14. What has been the policy of agricultural development during last two decades in India?
1. Answer any ONE of the following (Answer should be in about 250 words):
2. Answer any TWO of the following (Answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 15 ×
2 = 30
2. What is a URL?
1. CD-ROM
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2. USB
3. ITES
4. FORTRAN
4. What do you understand by MP3?
2005
xaam.in
Answer any two of the following (in about 125 words each): 10 × 2 = 20
1. What are the resource bases available for the economic development of the newly created
States of Jharkhand and Chattisgarh?
1. Regurs
2. Karewas
1. What is the energy independence? Discuss how India can be transformed into an ‘Energy
independent Nation’
Write notes on any two of the following (in about 125 words each): 10 × 2 = 20
1. Sethusamudram Project
What is disaster management? Discuss the steps required to tackle natural disasters.
1. Cyber-terrorism
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1. Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words): 5 × 2 = 10
1. Full convertibility
5. Medical tourism
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2. What are the reasons for industrial sickness in India?
3. Answer any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words): 2 × 15
= 30
1. What is IFC?
6. What is Euro-control?
7. Dow Jones
8. Bluetooth
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13. What were the terms of reference of the Abid Hussain Committee?
2. Will a grand axis of India, China and Russiachallenge the unipolar supremacy of the US?
Elaborate your views.
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6. Answer or write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words): 5 ×
2 = 10
4. Repo market
7. Answer the following, by expanding or explaining (answer to each question should be in about
20 words): 10
1. OAPEC
2. IFAD
3. UPU
4. SAVE
5. ODA
8. Answer anyone of the following in about 250 words: 30
1. Describe the sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations and their effects on the
biotic components of the atmosphere.
9. Answer any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words each):
2 × 15 = 30
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2. What is the therapeutic cloning? Describe briefly the method and its potential
applications.
1. What is an exabyte?
2. What is VIRUS?
1. XML
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2. MASER
3. SECAM
4. TIPS
4. What is avatar?
5. What is Wikipedia?
2006
Blue Revolution has definite advantages in India but it is not free from environmental impacts. Discuss.
1. Mixed economy
5. Hussain Sagar
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 125 words each): 2 × 10 = 20
2. What are the linkages to be developed under the Knowledge Revolution for Rural India Plan?
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1. Discuss the importance of World Trade Organisation (WTO) to Indian economy in the
light of various opportunities and challenges at the global level.
2. Describe the main sources of industrial finance in India. How could India be benefited
from recent developments in international finance?
2. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
1. Discuss the role of public sector during the post-reform period of Indian economy.
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3. What are the implications of gender disparities in India?
2. What is Hundi?
4. What is the main difference between free trade area and common market?
14. What is the difference between Green Box subsidies and Blue box subsidies?
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2. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 × 2 = 30
3. What are normal osmosis and reverse osmosis? Why has reverse osmosis become
popular in India today?
3. Answer all the five (in about 20 words each): 2 × 5 = 10
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2. Expand the following:
1. CAD
2. CAM
3. CIM
2007
Technological changes have brought in a major shift in the use of roads as transport corridors in India.
How far do you agree with this view?
Explain the nature and causes of growing slum problems in the metropolitan cities of India.
3. Jarawas
4. Indira Point
Answer any two of the following questions (in about 125 words each): 10 × 2 = 20
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1. What is Dumping? Evaluate the remedial measures taken by Government of India vis-a-
vis WTO provisions regarding dumping.
2. Answer any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words)
1. What is the meaning and aim of social forestry? What are the main weakness noticed in
social forestry programme?
2. Bring out the main objective of Rastriya Krishi Bima Yojana. The scheme is being
implemented by which agency.
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3. Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words): 2 × 15 = 30
6. What is Stagflation?
8. Meaning of CCIL
1.
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1. Explain the phenomenon of ozone depletion, its cause and effects. What efforts are
needed to reduce it.
2. what do you understanding by the term ‘biodiversity’ Examine the cause and
consequence of degeneration of biodiversity?
3. Answer any two of the following (answer for each question should be in about 150 words): 15 ×
2 = 30
1. What are the alterative fuels available for the transport sector? Discuss their
characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in their utilization.
2. Explain the objectives and the current achievements of human genome project.
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4. Answer all the five (in about 20 words each): 2 × 5 = 10
1. What is firewall?
2. ISP
3. HTML
4. ASCII
2008
a.What; in your opinion; are the causes of terrorism? Suggest suitable measures to
deal with the threat of terrorism in the India.
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5. Discuss any two of the following topics (answer each question in about 150 words):
(a) Assistance to the States for Development of Export Infrastructure and other Activitie(sASIDE).
(b) Convertibility of (Indian Rupee)
(c) India on Global Competitiveness Index-2007.
6, Write about the following in about 20 words
(a) Special Drawing Rights
(b) NAMA
(c) Non Tariff trade barriers
(d) Current Account balance
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6.In what way Medical Biotechnology are useful for technological development of India
7.What do you know about Indian National Satellite System? Describe its important features
c.‘WIFI
components of Robot
a.Copyright
Examrace
c.Gene Doping
d.Sappan
2009
Bring out the Significance of the various activities of the Indian Metrological Department.
Examine the status of urbanization among the states in India and bring out spatial inequalities.
1. ‘Bhuvan Website’
2. National Waterways
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4. NNRMS
5. BSUP Scheme
6. Gagan Project
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In the Context of recent incidents, suggest measures on how security of passengers and property can be
improved over indian railways.
1. Comment critically on any one of the following statements in not more than 200 words: 20
2. The Lesson of current global financial crisis is that India should halt and may be even
reverse financial liberalization.
1. In the WTO negotiations over the years of the DOHA Rounds, India appears to be
diluting its stand on agriculture issues to pursue perceived gains in services. Critically
examine this statements.
3. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each) 15 × 2 = 30
1. Evaluate the prospects for greater economic cooperation between India & China.
2. Does India need the world Bank?
3. Critically assesses the recent Free Trade Agreement entered into by India with ASEAN.
4. Answer any three of the following questions (in about 150 words each) 3 × 15 = 45
3. Define ‘Bioinformatics’ How does it work? What is the major branches and applications?
4. What is the ‘Hubble Space Telescope’ How many Service Mission (SMs) have been
conducted for it?
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2. What is ‘Nanotech’ Give a brief account of its basic concepts, material used and
applications.
6. Write brief notes on any five of the following (in about 30 words each): 5 × 13 = 15
1. Artificial Sun
2. ‘Vegetable Gold’
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3. PFCs and ‘liquid breathing’
4. The ‘P − 8 A Poseidon’
5. Biometric ATMs
2010
(1) Comment on the spatial components in urban solid waste management in the country. 12
(2) Assess the contributions made by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in agricultural
development. 12
(3) List the significant local storms of the hot-weather season in the country and bring out their socio-
economic impact. 12
(4) Bring out the salient features of the evolution and the current status of the ‘Bharat Stage’ vehicle
emission norms in the country. 12
(5) List any eight ‘Ramsar’ wetland sites located in India. What is the ‘Montreux Record’ and what Indian
sites are included in this Record? 12
6)Are the ‘Dedicated Freight Corridor’ railway project and the ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ road project
mutually complementary or competitive? Assess. 12
(7) Comment on the recent HFC-23 emissions controversy that includes in its ambit some Indian
companies. 5
(8 What are the salient features of The National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan? 5
(9) You arrive first at, the scene where a bus accident has just occurred. What emergency measures
should you immediately and safely adopt? 5
(10) Write about the following
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Babli Project 2
Chandrayaan-II 2
Agni-V 2
(11) “Cost-benefit analysis should not be the sole consideration, while deciding to host events like the
Commonwealth Games.” Critically comment on this perspective. 12
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(12 )After the September 1st changes, do you think that Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) and Mutual
Funds (MFs) are on a level playing field ? Substantiate your answer from the perspective of an ordinary
investor. 12
(13) What do you understand by ‘repo rate’ and ‘reverse repo rate’? What are the implications in raising
these rates? 12
(14) Bring out the sectoral and state-wise distribution patterns of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
inflows into the country. 5
(15)ational Investment Fund 2
2011
1. The impact of climate change on water resources in India.
2. Measures taken by the Indian government to combat privacy in the Indian Ocean.
2. Why the Central Statistics Office has notified a new series of Consumer Price Index from this
year?
3. Composition and functions of the National Executive Comittee of the National Disaster
Management Authority.
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4. The Bihar Special Courts Act, 2009 and why it has been in the news recently?
2. The first-aid that you can safely administer to a person standing next to you at the bus-stop who
suddenly faints.
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4. Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) technology.
14. Differences between Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc
Why have each of the following been in the news recently (Each answer in a sentence or two only)? 2 ×
10 = 20
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1. Tiangong-1
2. K-computer
3. Gliese 581g
4. MABLE robot
6. ‘SAGA-220’
8. L-Aquila earthquake
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9. OPERA detecter at Gran Sasso
2012
1. What do you understand by the term “Innovation”? Discuss the need for launching a national
innovation policy in India.
2. Keeping in view the informal sector’s share in the total workforce of the country, critically
examine the relevant inclusive measures initiated by the Government of India and their
effectiveness.
3. Examine the causes and the extent of ‘desertification’ in India and suggest remedial measures.
4. In the context of the growing demands for the ban of Endosulfan in the country, critically
examine the issues involved. What, in your view, should be done in the matter
5. “Domestic resource mobilization, though central tothe process of Indian economic growth, is
characterized by several constraints? Explain.
6. What are the salient features of the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2011 introduced in
the Lok Sabha in December 2011?
7. What do you understand by the term “Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis” {MDR-TB)? What
measures would you advocate for its containment and what are the implications of its spread in
the community?
8. Given the accelerated pace of development and demand for energy, would you consider
renewable energy as a viable option for India’s future?
9. Many food items contain “trans fats”. What do you understand by this term? Which Indian food
items contain trans fats? What are the implications of trans fats on human health?
10. List the main objectives of the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), 2011.
11. You are stationed in a small district town in the plains of Northern India, The summer has been
severe. Suddenly, a colleague, who had been out since morning, returns to the office
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3. Answer the following in not more than 100 words each: (10×6=60)
1. In the context of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, India has emerged as a hub of commercial
surrogacy. What key biological, legal and ethical issues merit consideration while framing the
regulation to govern surrogacy in India?
2. Why is international trade perceived to have failed to act as an “engine of growth” in many
developing countries including India?
3. Despite strict prohibitory regulations, “doping” has become increasingly common amongst
athletes. Name five commonly used performance- enhancing drugs. What are the risks
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associated with their use?
1. Explain briefly the “Clean Development Mechanism” as provided under the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
2. The Human Papilloma Virus vaccine has been making the headlines in the recent months. Who
make the ideal candidates for receiving this vaccine and what are its benefits
3. The Sequoia supercomputer was launched this year. What are its specific features and what is
its purpose?
4. What is Permaculture? Give at least three common examples where permaculture concepts are
being put to use.
5. The safe landing of the “Curiosity” Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many
possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them?
2013
1. 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.
2. What are the reasons for introduction of Fiscal responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM)
act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.
3. What is meaning of the term tax-expenditure? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how
it influences budgetary policies of the government.
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4. 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
5. What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and state
levels? Critically analyze the agriculture subsidy regime with the reference to the distortions
created by it.
6. India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for better
nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.
7. Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indian. Are the competing with the
MNCs satisfactorily?
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8. Establish the relationship between land reform, agriculture productivity and elimination of
poverty in Indian Economy. Discussion the difficulty in designing and implementation of the
agriculture friendly land reforms in India.
a. 9A: Discuss the impact of FDI entry into multi-trade retail sector on supply chain
management in commodity trade pattern of the economy.
b. 9B: Though India allowed foreign direct investment (FDI) in what is called multi brand
retail through joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI even after a year, has not
picket up. Discuss the reasons.
10. Discussion the rationale for introducing Good and services tax in India. Bring out critically the
reasons for delay in roll out for its regime.
11. Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy.
12. Adaptation of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free from
criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model.
13. Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the India n
Patent Law, 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by Supreme court in its judgment rejecting
Novartis patent application for “Glivec“. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.
14. What do you understand by fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and
demerits.
15. What do you understand by Umpire decision review in cricket? Discuss its various components.
Explain how silicon tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?
a. 16A. What is digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Giver various salient
built in features of a digital signature.
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b. 16B. How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and
disadvantages of the technology.
a. 17A. What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their
applications in aviation and automobile industry
b. 17B. What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it
different from any other hydroelectricity project?
18. How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management. As an
administrator ,what are key areas that you would focus in a disaster management
19. What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the ministry of environment and forests’
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concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining.
20. Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the
strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are
the legal provisions for management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?
21. Money laundering poses a serious threat to country’s economic sovereignty. What is its
significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?
22. What are social networking site and what security implications do these sites present?
23. Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda
or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India
is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.
24. Article 244 of Indian Constitution relates to Administration of Scheduled areas and tribal areas.
Analyze the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of fifth schedule on the growth of
Left Wing Extremism.
25. How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management, particularly in
view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?
2014
1. Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India shifted
directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth-services vis-a-vis
industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial
base?
2. “While we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employability.”
What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come
from? Explain.
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3. There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees [APMCs) set up under
the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the
cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine.
4. “In the villages itself no form of credit organization will be suitable except the cooperative
society.” – All India Rural Credit Survey.
Discuss this statement in the background of agricultural finance in India. What constraints and
challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finance face? How can technology be
used to better reach and serve rural clients?
5. The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Act, 2013 has come into effect from Ist January, 2014. What are the key issues
which would get addressed with the Act in place? What implications would it have on
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industrialization and agriculture in India?
6. Capitalism has guided the world economy to unprecedented prosperity. However, it often
encourages short-sightedness and contributes to wide disparities between the rich and the
poor. In this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt capitalism for bringing inclusive
growth in India? Discuss.
7. Explain how Private Public Partnership arrangements, in long gestation infrastructure projects,
can transfer unsustainable liabilities to the future. What arrangements need to be put in place
to ensure that successive generations’ capacities are not compromised?
8. National Urban Transport Policy emphasises on ‘moving people’ instead of ‘moving vehicles’.
Discuss critically the success of the various strategies of the Government in this regard.
9. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defense sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence
this is expected to have on Indian defense and economy in the short and long run?
10. Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as
attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are
becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment.
11. Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to
the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for
monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
12. In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of
litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
13. Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC
be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit?
Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.
14. Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow
onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines
from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for
preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.
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15. Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is
cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants
located at coal pitheads.
16. “The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the
impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighborhood? Discuss along with strategies to be
adopted to counter this environment.
17. International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over
the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘airspace’ What are the
implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this
poses and suggest ways to contain the threat.
18. How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies
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to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration.
19. In 2012, the longitudinal marking for high-risk areas for piracy was moved from 65 degrees east
to 78 degrees east in the Arabian Sea by the International Maritime Organisation. What impact
does this have on India’s maritime security concerns?
20. China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor.
What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine.
2015
(Answer all the questions in NOT MORE THAN 200 words each.)
1. The nature of economic growth in India in described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this
view? Give arguments in favor of your answer.
2. Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural
areas. Discuss suggesting suitable>
3. In view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non-
viable for a majority of farmers, should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in
agriculture? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
4. How can the ‘Digital India’ programme help farmers to improve farm productivity and income?
What steps has the Government taken in this regards?
5. In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the
scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.
6. What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in industry in India? Can
e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks?
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7. Craze for gold in Indians have led to a surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure
on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold
Monetization Scheme.
8. “Success of ‘Make in India’ programme depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and
radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.
9. To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be
attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the
related industry?
10. There is a clear acknowledement that Speecial Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial
development, manufacturing and exports. Recognizing this potential, the whole instrumentality
of SEZs requires augmentation. Discuss the issues plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to
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taxation, governing laws and administration.
11. What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Protection Positioning Systems’
in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme
employing just seven satellites.
12. What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss
the initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful
innovation.
13. Discuss the advantage and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house
machine-based hosting for government businesses.
14. India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted
information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the
country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database
publicly available under open-source licensing
15. The Namami Gange and National mission for clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of
mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river
Ganga better than incremental inputs?
16. The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However,
India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects.
17. Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act,
1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces.
What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with
reference to the view held by the Apex Court.
18. Religious indoctrination via digital media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is
ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous for the internal security of our country?
19. The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas
have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements
with Malkangiri and naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the left wing
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extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into the mainstream of social and economic
growth.
20. Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force”
to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the
challenges perceived in its effective implementation.
2016
Answer all the following questions. Each question is to be answered in not more than 200 words.
Each question carries equal marks.
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1. 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?
2. Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of
gender budgeting in the Indian context?
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in
the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges.
7. What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use
efficiency
8. What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture.
9. Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were
responsible for the success of land reforms in India.
10. Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop
insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
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11. Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable
energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light
Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
12. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application
of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
13. Why is nanotechnology one of the key technologies of the 21st century? Describe the salient
features of Indian Government’s Mission on Nanoscience and Technology and the scope of its
application in the development process of the country.
14. Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always
attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of
this impact while proposing major developmental projects.
15. The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years.
Discussing the reasons for urban floods. highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the
risk during such events.
16. With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the
measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places
of Uttarakhand.
17. The terms ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Surgical Strikes’ are often used in connection with armed action
against terrorist attacks. Discuss the strategic impact of such actions.
18. “Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the last few decades.” Analyse the above
statement.
19. Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some
countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.
20. Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major concern.
How have these have misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above
threat.
2017
1.Among several factors for India’s potential growth, the savings rate is the most effective one. Do
you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (150 words, 10 marks)
2.Account for the failure of the manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports
rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than
capital-intensive exports. (150 words, 10 marks)
3.Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private
Partnership(PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard? (150
words, 10 marks)
4.Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How
have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (150 words, 10
marks)
5.What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost-effective small processing unit? How will the
food processing unit be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers? (150 words, 10
marks)
6.Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions
including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem
cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (150 words, 10 marks)
7.India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the
Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in
terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically. (150 words, 10 marks)
8.Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss
the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. (150 words, 10 marks)
9.Discuss the potential threats of Cyberattack and the security framework to prevent it. (150 words,
10 marks)
10.The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze
the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. (150 words, 10 marks)
11.One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean
India’. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective. (250 words,
15 marks)
12.“Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product(GDP)
in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes is Industrial Policy is capable of
increasing the industrial growth rate? (250 words, 15 marks)
13.What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a growth
process? Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth. (250 words, 15 marks)
14.What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How is
crop diversification helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system? (250 words, 15 marks)
15.How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the
significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal
farmers? (250 words, 15 marks)
16.Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What
is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? (250 words, 15 marks)
17.‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How
Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (250 words, 15 marks)
18.On December 2004, tsumani brought havoc in 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors
responsible for the occurrence of Tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of
guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during
such events. (250 words, 15 marks)
19.Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable
examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (250 words, 15 marks)
20.The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you
suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (250
words, 15 marks)