MAINS · 2020

Mains 2020: full question text, GS-wise.

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

Questions

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87 shown

Essay Essay 2020 125 marks 1000 words

Life is a long journey between human being and being humane.

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Essay Essay 2020 125 marks 1000 words

Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.

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Essay Essay 2020 125 marks 1000 words

Ships do not sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.

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Essay Essay 2020 125 marks 1000 words

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

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Essay Essay 2020 125 marks 1000 words

Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.

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Essay Essay 2020 125 marks 1000 words

There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.

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Essay Essay 2020 125 marks 1000 words

Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.

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Essay Essay 2020 125 marks 1000 words

Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

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GS I Art and Culture 2020 10 marks 150 words

The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

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GS I Indian Society 2020 10 marks 150 words

Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

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GS I Art and Culture 2020 15 marks 250 words

Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

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GS I Art and Culture 2020 15 marks 250 words

Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.

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GS I Modern History 2020 15 marks 250 words

Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

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GS I Indian Geography 2020 15 marks 250 words

The interlinking of revivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

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GS I Indian Geography 2020 15 marks 250 words

Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

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GS I Indian Geography 2020 15 marks 250 words

India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.

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GS I Indian Geography 2020 15 marks 250 words

Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

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GS I Indian Society 2020 15 marks 250 words

Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.

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GS I Indian Society 2020 15 marks 250 words

Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

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GS I Ancient History 2020 10 marks 150 words

Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

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GS I Social Justice 2020 15 marks 250 words

How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.

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GS I Modern History 2020 10 marks 150 words

Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements.

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GS I World Geography 2020 10 marks 150 words

Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone.

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GS I Environment 2020 10 marks 150 words

The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.

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GS I Indian Geography 2020 10 marks 150 words

How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India?

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GS I Indian Geography 2020 10 marks 150 words

Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.

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GS I Indian Society 2020 10 marks 150 words

Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

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GS I Indian Society 2020 10 marks 150 words

COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.

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GS II Indian Polity 2020 10 marks 150 words

"There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of peoples Act" Comment

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GS II International Relations 2020 10 marks 150 words

'Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries'. Comment with examples.

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GS II Indian Polity 2020 15 marks 250 words

Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster M…

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GS II Indian Polity 2020 15 marks 250 words

Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public…

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GS II Governance 2020 15 marks 250 words

The strength sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of 'Functions, Functionaries and Funs' to the contemporary stage of 'Functionality'.…

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GS II Indian Polity 2020 15 marks 250 words

Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this tr…

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GS II Indian Polity 2020 15 marks 250 words

Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justi…

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GS II Social Justice 2020 15 marks 250 words

"The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone". In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Povert…

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GS II Social Justice 2020 15 marks 250 words

"Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India". Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin…

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GS II Social Justice 2020 15 marks 250 words

National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examin…

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GS II International Relations 2020 15 marks 250 words

'Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)' is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times - Discuss.

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GS II Indian Polity 2020 10 marks 150 words

"Recent amendments to the Right to information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission". Discuss

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GS II International Relations 2020 15 marks 250 words

What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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GS II Indian Polity 2020 10 marks 150 words

How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer

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GS II Indian Polity 2020 10 marks 150 words

The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in the recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations…

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GS II Indian Polity 2020 10 marks 150 words

"Once a speaker, Always a speaker'! Do you think the practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for…

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GS II Social Justice 2020 10 marks 150 words

In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discu…

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GS II Governance 2020 10 marks 150 words

"Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance". In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.

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GS II Governance 2020 10 marks 150 words

"The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government". Discuss.

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GS II International Relations 2020 10 marks 150 words

Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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GS III Indian Economy 2020 10 marks 150 words

Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

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GS III Internal Security 2020 10 marks 150 words

For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.

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GS III Indian Economy 2020 15 marks 250 words

Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity…

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GS III Indian Economy 2020 15 marks 250 words

Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2020 15 marks 250 words

What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India?

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2020 15 marks 250 words

Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.

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GS III Science & Technology 2020 15 marks 250 words

COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how tech…

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GS III Indian Economy 2020 15 marks 250 words

Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purp…

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GS III Environment 2020 15 marks 250 words

What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

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GS III Disaster Management 2020 15 marks 250 words

Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

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GS III Internal Security 2020 15 marks 250 words

What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the…

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GS III Indian Economy 2020 10 marks 150 words

Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?

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GS III Internal Security 2020 15 marks 250 words

Analyse internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various se…

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2020 10 marks 150 words

What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2020 10 marks 150 words

What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

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GS III Science & Technology 2020 10 marks 150 words

What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2020 10 marks 150 words

How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?

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GS III Environment 2020 10 marks 150 words

How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

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GS III Environment 2020 10 marks 150 words

What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

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GS III Internal Security 2020 10 marks 150 words

Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies)…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

"Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation". Examine the New Education Policy, 202…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 20 marks 250 words

You are a municipal commissioner of a large city, having the reputation of a very honest and upright officer. A huge multipurpose mall is under construction in your city in which…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 20 marks 250 words

Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has rocky terrain that is not suitable for agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land.…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 20 marks 250 words

Migrant workers have always remained at the socio-economic margins of our society, silently serving as the instrumental labour force of urban economics. The pandemic has brought t…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

"Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit.' Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss.

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

"The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine this statement in the context of international relations.

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attit…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

"The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.' Discuss.

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them g…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (b) "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi

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GS IV Ethics 2020 10 marks 150 words

What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (c) "A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception whic…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 20 marks 250 words

Rajesh Kumar is a senior public servant, with a reputation of honesty and forthrightness, currently posted in the Finance Ministry as Head of the Budget Division. His department i…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 20 marks 250 words

The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He…

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GS IV Ethics 2020 20 marks 250 words

Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population, though it i…

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