UPSC 2016 previous-year questions linked to current affairs

Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity?

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'An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.' Substantiate this statement with suitable examples.

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"In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal." Critically examine this statement.

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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?

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Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Republic' in the 'Preamble'. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

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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 seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries. Discuss in the Indian perspective.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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 poor section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.

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Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality

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'Gadgil Committee Report' and 'Kasturirangan Committee Report', sometimes seen in the news, are related to (a) constitutional reforms (b) Ganga Action Plan (c) linking of rivers (d) protection of Western Ghats

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The term 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership' often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (a) G20 (b) ASEAN (c) SCO (d) SAARC

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The establishment of 'Payment Banks' is being allowed in India to promote Financial Inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context? 1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks. 2. Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards. 3. Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities.

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Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at (a) bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system (b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops (c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons (d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation

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Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? 1. Undernourishment 2. Child stunting 3. Child mortality

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Consider the following statements: 1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC. 2. The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements: 1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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