UPSC 2020 previous-year questions linked to current affairs

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

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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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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 examine the statement.

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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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The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of 'Functions, Functionaries and Funds' to the contemporary stage of 'Functionality'. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.

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"The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone". In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India defines its 'basic structure' in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for 'judicial review' to safeguard the citizens' liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. 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

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In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey (b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand (c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam (d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea

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In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs 1,00,000 2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs 2,00,000 3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs 3,00,000 4. All Senior Citizens. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 4 only

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Consider the following statements: 1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). 2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. 3. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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With reference to India's Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under "Critical Tiger Habitat"? (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam (d) Sunderbans

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