MAINS · 2013

Mains 2013: full question text, GS-wise.

101 questions across 5 papers. Filter by GS paper or search the prompt text.

Questions

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101 shown

Essay Essay 2013 250 marks 2500 words

Be the change you want to see in others.

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Essay Essay 2013 250 marks 2500 words

Is the Colonial mentality hindering India's success?

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Essay Essay 2013 250 marks 2500 words

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

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Essay Essay 2013 250 marks 2500 words

Science and technology for growth and security.

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GS I Ancient History 2013 10 marks 200 words

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…

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GS I Post-Independence India 2013 10 marks 200 words

Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh. .

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GS I World History 2013 10 marks 200 words

"Latecomer" Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience. .

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GS I World History 2013 10 marks 200 words

Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. .

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GS I World History 2013 10 marks 200 words

American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. .

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GS I World History 2013 10 marks 200 words

What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? .

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GS I Indian Society 2013 10 marks 200 words

Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. .

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GS I Indian Society 2013 10 marks 200 words

Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women's organization free from gender bias. Comment. .

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GS I Indian Society 2013 10 marks 200 words

Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. .

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GS I Indian Society 2013 10 marks 200 words

Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss.

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GS I Physical Geography 2013 5 marks 100 words

What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.

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GS I Physical Geography 2013 5 marks 100 words

The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called "Phailin". How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. .

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GS I Art and Culture 2013 5 marks 100 words

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

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GS I Art and Culture 2013 5 marks 100 words

Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. .

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GS I Environment 2013 5 marks 100 words

Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. .

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GS I Physical Geography 2013 5 marks 100 words

What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place? .

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GS I Physical Geography 2013 10 marks 200 words

Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why? .

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GS I Indian Geography 2013 5 marks 100 words

Bringout the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats. .

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GS I Indian Geography 2013 5 marks 100 words

There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? .

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GS I Indian Geography 2013 5 marks 100 words

Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India ? Discuss with justification. .

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GS I Indian Geography 2013 5 marks 100 words

Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India . .

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GS I Indian Geography 2013 10 marks 200 words

With 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 at…

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GS I Indian Geography 2013 10 marks 200 words

It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn't appear to be…

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GS I Indian Society 2013 10 marks 200 words

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

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GS I Modern History 2013 10 marks 200 words

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

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GS I Modern History 2013 10 marks 200 words

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

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GS I Post-Independence India 2013 10 marks 200 words

Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. .

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GS I Post-Independence India 2013 10 marks 200 words

Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan "Jai Jawana Jai Kisan". .

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GS I Post-Independence India 2013 10 marks 200 words

Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post independent India. .

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GS I Post-Independence India 2013 10 marks 200 words

Analyse the circumstances t hat led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. .

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GS II Indian Polity 2013 10 marks 150 words

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 c…

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GS II Indian Polity 2013 10 marks 150 words

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.

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GS II Governance 2013 10 marks 150 words

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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GS II Governance 2013 10 marks 150 words

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 C…

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GS II Social Justice 2013 10 marks 150 words

Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.

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GS II Governance 2013 10 marks 150 words

The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.

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GS II Social Justice 2013 10 marks 150 words

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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GS II Governance 2013 10 marks 150 words

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 qual…

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GS II Governance 2013 10 marks 150 words

'A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs'. Discuss.

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GS II International Relations 2013 10 marks 150 words

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. Exa…

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GS II International Relations 2013 10 marks 150 words

What do you understand by 'The String of Pearls'? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.

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GS II Indian Polity 2013 10 marks 150 words

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

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GS II International Relations 2013 10 marks 150 words

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.

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GS II International Relations 2013 10 marks 150 words

The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?

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GS II International Relations 2013 10 marks 150 words

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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GS II International Relations 2013 10 marks 150 words

In respect of India -- Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.

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GS II International Relations 2013 10 marks 150 words

What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.

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GS II International Relations 2013 10 marks 150 words

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 finan…

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GS II Indian Polity 2013 10 marks 150 words

Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the 'Nagas' as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of…

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GS II Indian Polity 2013 10 marks 150 words

The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically.

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GS II Indian Polity 2013 10 marks 150 words

Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that m…

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GS II Indian Polity 2013 10 marks 150 words

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?…

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GS II Indian Polity 2013 10 marks 150 words

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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GS II Indian Economy 2013 10 marks 150 words

The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two reg…

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GS II Social Justice 2013 10 marks 150 words

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 impe…

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 10 marks 200 words

With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill ,2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its…

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 10 marks 150 words

Discuss the rationale for introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring out critically the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime.

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 10 marks 150 words

Write a note on India's green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy.

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 10 marks 150 words

Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model.

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GS III Science & Technology 2013 10 marks 150 words

Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgemen…

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GS III Science & Technology 2013 10 marks 150 words

What do you understand by Fixed Dose drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.

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GS III Science & Technology 2013 10 marks 150 words

What do you understand by Umpire Decision Review System in cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?

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GS III Science & Technology 2013 5 marks 150 words

What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature.

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GS III Science & Technology 2013 5 marks 150 words

How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.

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GS III Science & Technology 2013 5 marks 150 words

What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their application in aviation and automobile industries.

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 5 marks 150 words

What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?

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GS III Disaster Management 2013 10 marks 150 words

How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System?

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GS III Environment 2013 10 marks 150 words

What are the consequences of Illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forest's concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector.

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 10 marks 150 words

What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2013? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.

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GS III Environment 2013 10 marks 150 words

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…

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GS III Internal Security 2013 10 marks 150 words

Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country's economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this me…

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GS III Internal Security 2013 10 marks 150 words

What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present?

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GS III Internal Security 2013 10 marks 150 words

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 whic…

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GS III Internal Security 2013 10 marks 150 words

Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of schedules area and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedu…

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GS III Internal Security 2013 10 marks 150 words

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?

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 10 marks 150 words

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

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2013 10 marks 150 words

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 h…

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2013 10 marks 150 words

What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels? Critically analyse the agricultural subsidy regime with reference to th…

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2013 10 marks 150 words

India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement.

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 10 marks 150 words

Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily? Discuss.

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2013 10 marks 150 words

Establish relationship between land reforms, agricultural productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation o…

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 5 marks 150 words

Discuss the impact of FDI entry into Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy.

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GS III Indian Economy 2013 5 marks 150 words

Though India allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through the joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI, even after a year, has not pi…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 10 marks 150 words

What do you understand by 'values' and 'ethics'? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?

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GS IV Ethics 2013 20 marks 250 words

Qn.10: You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and are presently in-charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Jun…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 25 marks 300 words

Qn.11: Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is known for its manufacturing clusters on firecrackers and matches. The local economy of the area is largely dependent on firecrackers industry. It…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 20 marks 250 words

Qn.12: You are heading a leading technical institute of the country. The institute is planning to convene an interview panel shortly under your chairmanship for selection of the p…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 20 marks 250 words

Qn.13: As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you have access to some confidential and crucial information about policy decisions that the Government is about to announce. T…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 20 marks 250 words

Qn.14: You are the Executive Director of an upcoming InfoTech Company which is making a name for itself in the market. Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing tea…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 25 marks 350 words

[A] What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (5 terms x 3 marks each=15 marks |250 words) 1. Integrity 2. Perseverance 3. Spirit of service…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 10 marks 150 words

Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception i…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 10 marks 150 words

What is 'emotional intelligence' and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?

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GS IV Ethics 2013 20 marks 300 words

[A] What do you understand by the term 'voice of conscience'? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience? (150 words | 10 Marks) [B] What is meant by 'crisis o…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 30 marks 450 words

Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (each quote for 10 mark…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 10 marks 150 words

"The good of an individual is contained in the good of all." What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?

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GS IV Ethics 2013 10 marks 150 words

It is often said that 'politics' and 'ethics' do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations. ---In the following questions, caref…

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GS IV Ethics 2013 20 marks 250 words

Qn.9: A Public Information Officer has received an application under RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PIO discovers that the information pertains to some of the decis…

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