MAINS · 2023

Mains 2023: 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 2023 125 marks 1000 words

Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.

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Essay Essay 2023 125 marks 1000 words

Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.

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Essay Essay 2023 125 marks 1000 words

Not all who wander are lost.

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Essay Essay 2023 125 marks 1000 words

Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.

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Essay Essay 2023 125 marks 1000 words

Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines.

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Essay Essay 2023 125 marks 1000 words

Mathematics is the music of reason.

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Essay Essay 2023 125 marks 1000 words

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.

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Essay Essay 2023 125 marks 1000 words

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

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GS I Ancient History 2023 10 marks 150 words

Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India.

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GS I Indian Society 2023 10 marks 150 words

Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.

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GS I Ancient History 2023 15 marks 250 words

What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society?

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GS I Medieval History 2023 15 marks 250 words

What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?

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GS I Modern History 2023 15 marks 250 words

How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?

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GS I Indian Geography 2023 15 marks 250 words

Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.

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GS I Indian Geography 2023 15 marks 250 words

Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forests regions of India.

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GS I Social Justice 2023 15 marks 250 words

Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?

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GS I Agriculture & Food Security 2023 15 marks 250 words

From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons.

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GS I Indian Society 2023 15 marks 250 words

Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises?

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GS I Indian Society 2023 15 marks 250 words

Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static?

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GS I Modern History 2023 10 marks 150 words

What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?

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GS I Indian Society 2023 15 marks 250 words

Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism.

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GS I World History 2023 10 marks 150 words

Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.

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GS I Environment 2023 10 marks 150 words

Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.

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GS I World Geography 2023 10 marks 150 words

Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?

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GS I Physical Geography 2023 10 marks 150 words

How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?

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GS I Indian Geography 2023 10 marks 150 words

Why is the South-West monsoon called 'Purvaiya' (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?

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GS I Indian Society 2023 10 marks 150 words

Do you think marriage as a sacrament in loosing its value in Modern India?

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GS I Indian Society 2023 10 marks 150 words

Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society.

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 10 marks 150 words

"Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy". Comment.

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GS II International Relations 2023 10 marks 150 words

Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 15 marks 250 words

" The Construction of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society". Illustrate with special reference…

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 15 marks 250 words

Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 15 marks 250 words

Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 15 marks 250 words

Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women's effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 15 marks 250 words

Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 15 marks 250 words

Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament?

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GS II Social Justice 2023 15 marks 250 words

"Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach." Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

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GS II Indian Economy 2023 15 marks 250 words

Skill development programs have succeed in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between education, skill and…

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GS II International Relations 2023 15 marks 250 words

'The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.' What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples…

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 10 marks 150 words

Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority(NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.

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GS II International Relations 2023 15 marks 250 words

'Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos'. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and e…

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 10 marks 150 words

"The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially." Comment.

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 10 marks 150 words

Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.

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GS II Indian Polity 2023 10 marks 150 words

Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

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GS II Indian Economy 2023 10 marks 150 words

The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this adequacy.

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GS II Indian Economy 2023 10 marks 150 words

Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.

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GS II Governance 2023 10 marks 150 words

e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these fea…

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GS II International Relations 2023 10 marks 150 words

'Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO'. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating problems.

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GS III Indian Economy 2023 10 marks 150 words

Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.

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GS III Internal Security 2023 10 marks 150 words

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on th…

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GS III Indian Economy 2023 15 marks 250 words

Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.

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GS III Indian Economy 2023 15 marks 250 words

Distinguish between 'care economy' and 'monetized economy'. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2023 15 marks 250 words

Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions.

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2023 15 marks 250 words

What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization(WTP) in relation to agricultural subsidies.

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GS III Environment 2023 15 marks 250 words

The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared…

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GS III Science & Technology 2023 15 marks 250 words

What is the main task of India's third mood mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems i…

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GS III Environment 2023 15 marks 250 words

Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India's wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Site…

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GS III Environment 2023 15 marks 250 words

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries…

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GS III Internal Security 2023 15 marks 250 words

What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.

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GS III Indian Economy 2023 10 marks 150 words

What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.

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GS III Internal Security 2023 15 marks 250 words

Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the ' No Money f…

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2023 10 marks 150 words

How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it.

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2023 10 marks 150 words

State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria.

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GS III Science & Technology 2023 10 marks 150 words

Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in the healthc…

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GS III Agriculture & Food Security 2023 10 marks 150 words

Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

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GS III Disaster Management 2023 10 marks 150 words

Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two ex…

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GS III Environment 2023 10 marks 150 words

What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?

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GS III Internal Security 2023 10 marks 150 words

Winning of 'Hearts and Minds' in terrorism affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this res…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency in the context of corporate governance in India ? Illustrate with suitable examples.

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

'International aid' is an accepted form of helping 'resource-challenged' nations. Comment on 'ethics in contemporary international aid'. Support your answer with suitable examples.

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GS IV Ethics 2023 20 marks 250 words

Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. H…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 20 marks 250 words

You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionate…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 20 marks 250 words

You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government. One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come a…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

"Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society." In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

In the context of work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples.

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (a) "The simplest acts of kindness are by far more p…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (b) "To awaken the people, it is the women who must…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (c) Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that co…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills - your EQ- not just purely cognitive abilities that are measu…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

Differentiate 'moral intuition from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples.

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making ? Discuss.

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

'Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

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GS IV Ethics 2023 10 marks 150 words

Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?

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GS IV Ethics 2023 20 marks 250 words

You are working as an executive in a nationalized bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 20 marks 250 words

A landslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20th July, 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately 60kilometers from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential…

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GS IV Ethics 2023 20 marks 250 words

At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town i…

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