UPSC 2021 previous-year questions linked to current affairs

Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.

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Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.

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Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail.

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Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.

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Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model.

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Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.

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'Constitutional Morality' is rooted in the constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of 'Constitutional Morality' with the help of relevant judicial decisions.

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"Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development." Analyze.

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The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular state is being questioned by various States. However, the power of States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

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Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.

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Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

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The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

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How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?

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How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers?

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Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.

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How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India's water crisis?

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Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India's National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?

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Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

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A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of application of law violates which one of the following articles of the Constitution of India? (a) Article 14 (b) Article 28 (c) Article 32 (d) Article 44

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'Right to Privacy' is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India? (a) Article 15 (b) Article 19 (c) Article 21 (d) Article 29

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What is the position of the Right to Property in India? (a) Legal right available to citizens only (b) Legal right available to any person (c) Fundamental Right available to citizens only (d) Neither Fundamental Right nor legal right

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With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct? (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej

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With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements: 1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. 2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes. 3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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