UPSC 2018 previous-year questions linked to current affairs

"The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system." How can it be made effective in urban areas?

1 news story helps answer this

How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.

1 news story helps answer this

'Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing'. Explain by giving reasons.

1 news story helps answer this

"Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India." Comment.

3 news stories help answer this

Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment.

1 news story helps answer this

In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?

2 news stories help answer this

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?

3 news stories help answer this

Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects?

2 news stories help answer this

Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve 'Health for All' in India. Explain.

3 news stories help answer this

The Citizen's Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen's Charters.

2 news stories help answer this

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?

1 news story helps answer this

How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.

1 news story helps answer this

How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.

1 news story helps answer this

E-governance is not only about utilisation of the power of new technology, but also much about the critical importance of the 'use value' of information. Explain.

1 news story helps answer this

How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

8 news stories help answer this

India's proximity to two of the world's biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same?

3 news stories help answer this

Sikkim is the first 'Organic State' in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State?

1 news story helps answer this

"Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)". Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.

2 news stories help answer this

Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber-crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?

1 news story helps answer this

Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?

1 news story helps answer this

The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens' empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss.

1 news story helps answer this

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution

2 news stories help answer this

Consider the following statements: 1. The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 2. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

1 news story helps answer this

Consider the following statements: 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 news story helps answer this

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then (a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved (b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament (c) Article 19 is suspended in that State (d) the President can make laws relating to that State

1 news story helps answer this

Consider the following statements: 1. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any court during his term of office. 2. The emoluments and allowances of the Governor of a State shall not be diminished during his term of office. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 news story helps answer this