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UPSC Previous Year (Mains) Paper With Solution Subject Wise

WORLD HISTORY

2021

 

1. There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement.

2019

 

1. Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions

2017

 

1. What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula?

2016

 

1. The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western educated Africans.Examine.

2015

 

1. To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically

2. 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?

2014

 

1. The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate.

2. What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s selfimage as a world power?

2013

 

1. “American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism.” Substantiate.

2. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression?

3. “‘Latecomer’ Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what West had experienced.” Analyze.

4. “Africa was chopped into States artificially created by accidents of European competition.” Analyze

MODERN HISTORY

2021

1. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

2. To what extinct did the role of moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? comment

3. Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.

2020

1. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement. (Answer in 150 words).

2. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words).

2019

1. Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.

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

3. Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of national identity

4. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate

2018

1. Why indentured labour was taken by British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

2. Throw light on the significance of thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.

2017

1. Highlight the importance of new objective that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century

2. 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?

3. Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity?

4. 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. Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy.

2016

1. Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

2. Explain how the upraising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.

3. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase

2015

1. 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

2. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss

3. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate

2014

1. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India?

2. What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India?

3. The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat?

4. Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence.

2013

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

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

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

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

International Relations

2019

1. “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self- esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples

2. The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment

3. ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias

4. The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order” Elaborate (15)

2018

5. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?

6. In what ways would the ongoing U.S-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?

7. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.”Discuss.

8. A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.

 

2017

9. 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.

10. The question of India’s Energy Security Constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyse India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries.

11. ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.

12. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.

2016

13. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?

14. “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.

15. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario.

16. "Increasing crossborder terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several memberstates by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Associationfor Regional Cooperation)." Explain with suitable examples.

2015

17. 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.

18. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically examine

19. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.

20. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.

2014

21. India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.

22. WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a 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.

23. 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.

24. The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests?

25. 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

2013

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

27. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two intergovernmental 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, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.

28. 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.

29. 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?

30. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?

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

32. 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

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

Social Justice

2019

1. The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process.

2. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process – Discuss

3. How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

4. Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive

5. There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on Non- Food essential items squeezing their food – budget.- Elucidate

6. Implementation of information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects / Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation

7.‘In the context of the neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss

2018

8. How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India?

9. Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain

2017

10. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss.

11. ‘To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes’. Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme.

12. Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement.

2016

13. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

14. 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?

2015

15. Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?

16. 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 technical and higher education in the country? Discuss.

17. 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 poverty indicators.

2014

18. Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies?

2013

19. 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 mandates and success

20. 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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