APSC Mains Answer Writing Practice Questions – Set 49 (for Week April 14 – 20, 2024)

APSC Mains Answer Writing Practice Questions – Set 49 (for Week April 14 – 20, 2024)

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APSC Questions Mains Answer Writing 2018

APSC Mains Writing Practice Questions – Set 49

(For Week April 14, 2024 – April 20, 2024)
Write answers to these Questions, Review others’ Answer, Ask Doubts and Discuss

NOTE: Answer sheet of these Questions will be evaluated FREE OF COST for APSC Mains 2023-24 Test Series participants. ⇒ Register NOW for APSC Mains 2023-24 Test Series.


Q1. Elucidate the challenges associated with ethanol blending in India. Suggest some measures to overcome these challenges.

Q2. What is Kallakkadal? What causes it and how is it distinct from Tsunami?
(GS I) (Answer in 150 words)

Q3. Explain the factors that led to the emergence of the different insurgent groups in the North-East region and also suggest some measures to solve the problem. (GS I) (Answer in 250 words)

Q4. Write the advantages and disadvantages of e-governance.

Q5. Difference Between El Nino and La Nina. Discuss the impact of El Nino and La Nina on global weather patterns. (GS I) (Answer in 250 words)

Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer, which will improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.

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APSC Mains 2022 General Studies (GS-4) Paper 5 Question Analysis

APSC Mains 2022 – General Studies GS 4 Question Paper 4 Analysis

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Section-A

Q1. Our education system has helped us in acquiring skills but has failed us in inculcating values and ethics.” Do you agree? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q2. Explain the concept of ‘Vasundhara Kutumbakam’. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q3. Describe the following terms with respect to the fundamental values of Civil Services : (Answer in 150 words) 2×5=10

  1. Integrity
  2. Impartiality
  3. Objectivity
  4. Empathy
  5. Compassion towards weaker sections

Q4. Describe the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission for code of conduct. (Answer in 150 words)

Q5. It is said that our behaviour reflects our attitude. Do you agree? What are some of the ways by which our attitude gets shaped? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q6. Distinguish between personal and professional ethics. Do you think it is justified for a civil servant to be ethical in his/her professional life without being so in his/her personal life? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q7. *An effective public servant must be a good leader rather than a good boss.” Comment. What are the three most important leadership qualities that a public servant must possess? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q8. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” (Mahatma Gandhi). Explain what the statement means to you in the present context. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q9. What are the principal measures taken by the government in recent years to bring transparency? Have these brought down corruption? Elucidate with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q10. Government departments are are increasingly resorting to contractual employment or outsourcing activities. Do you think this is the right way to improve work culture in government departments and service delivery? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q11. Social media is a double-edged sword and must be used carefully by public servants Discuss the role of Emotional Intelligence in management of social media by public servants. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q12. What, in your opinion, has been the impact of rise of nuclear families on family as an institution for inculcating values? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q13 “A man with integrity refuses to be compromised.” Elaborate with reference to a real-life example. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Section-B

Q14. An activist files a petition in your office stating that there have been irregularities in choosing beneficiaries by your staff in office. You decide to initiate an enquiry and then come to know that the activist has taken money from your staff in office. The next day the activist again comes to your office with a petition to withdraw the previous petition. He argues that he received wrong information from the beneficiaries. You know that initiating an enquiry will damage the reputation of your office and also demoralise your office staff. 

Now, answer the following questions:

(a) What are the various ethical dilemmas you are currently facing?

(b) List out the various options available to you in dealing with the situation.

(c) What option will you finally exercise? Justify.

(Answer in 250 words]

Q15. There are situations where a public servant faces dilemma between what is written in the law and what her empathy and compassion call for How should servant resolve this dilemma? What should she prioritise? Discuss with suitable example. (Answer in 250 words) 20

Q16. You are posted as a Circle Officer of X Revenue Circle in Y district. There is a public complaint filed against one of your Lat Mondals for demanding bribe in a mutation case. The Deputy Commissioner orders you to enquire and submit a report. When you begin the enquiry, you get evidence that the Lat Mondal did in However, the Lat Mondal is connected to a senior officer in the government who starts pressurising you to give clean chit to the said Lat Mondal.

In this context, answer the following questions:

  1. What the ethical dilemmas that you are facing?
  2. What are the various actions you can take in this case?
  3. Discuss the ethical implications of each action.
  4. Which action will you finally choose and why?

(Answer in 250 words)

Q17. You are HOD of a government department. Mr. A is a very efficient employee in your office. He comes to office on time, leaves after everyone has left and never says no to any work you assign to him. One day, one woman by the name of Mrs. B comes to your office. She alleges that she is the first wife of Mr. A and that A has married a second time without informing her. She says that she does not want to complain against him, but needs your intervention in ensuring that A gives a monthly maintenance. Upon enquiry, you find that A has indeed married a second time without divorcing Mrs. B. A has also informed you that the marriage with Mrs. B broke down due to irreconcilable differences and that A had offered to give her maintenance which she refused. A has further stated that Mrs. B demanded a much higher maintenance-nearly half his salary-which A refused as he now has children from his second wife and also a home loan. You know that it is illegal for a government servant to marry second time without divorcing the first.

Now, answer the following questions:

  1. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you?
  2. How would you tackle the above situation?

(Answer in 250 words)

Q18. What is the importance of discretion for a civil servant? Discuss some of the areas where you as a civil servant might have to exercise discretion. Do you think that discretion also increases the possibility of corruption? Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words) 20

Q19. “Corruption is more of a social problem than a legal problem.” In the light of recent incidents of officials apprehended for taking bribes, critically examine the above statement. Also, explain the steps taken by the government in recent years to reduce corruption: Do you think the Amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act will help honest officials in discharging their duties? (Answer in 250 words) 20

 

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APSC Mains 2022 General Studies (GS-3) Paper 4 Question Analysis

APSC Mains 2022 – General Studies GS 3 Question Paper 4 Analysis

 

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Sections

No. of Qs

Technology

5

Economic Development

10

Biodiversity & Environment

2

Disaster Management

3

Q1. What do you mean by supply chain of agricultural produce? Explain how e-technology can bring about a positive change in agricultural marketing in India. (Answer in 150 words) 4+6=10

Q2. State the salient features of National Green Hydrogen Mission in India.

Q3. Give five reasons that positively connect economic liberalization with economic growth.

Q4. Explain how Union Budget 2023-24 is banking on ‘crowding-in’ effect.

Q5. Give an outline of the National Logistics Policy of India.

Q6. “Al is more a boon than a bane.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q7. What are structural and non-structural mitigation measures for Flood Management? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q8. What is Bhuvan in space technology? What are the benefits of Bhuvan?

Q9. What is quantum technology? What initiatives have been taken by the Govt of India for its development?

Q10. What is the goal of Net Zero Emissions? What steps should India take for Zero Emissions by 2050?

Q11. Delineate the possible advantages from getting access to Chittagong Port of Bangladesh from the perspective of the economic development of North-East.

Q12. Discuss the implications of the recent discovery of 5.9 million ton stash of lithium reserves located within the region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Q13. What is gender-responsive Disaster Risk Reduction? What are the barriers that prevent gender mainstreaming in Disaster Risk Reduction? Give some examples of overcoming these barriers.

Q14. Highlight the key usages of Aadhaar in the daily lives of Indian citizens.

Q15. “NITI Aayog is a harbinger of cooperative and competitive federalism.”  Elucidate.

Q16. Suggest innovative steps to make Assam an attractive tourist destination.

Q17. Do you think that the road to sustainability starts with pollution prevention? Give reasons.

Q18. What are the challenges proper functioning of the Public Distribution System? How is the govt responding to these challenges?

Q19. Can you suggest some measures to address the problem of educated unemployment in the light of the National Education Policy, 2020?

Q20. Discuss how floods in Assam can utilized for sustainable source the irrigation and maintenance of all-weather inland water transport in the State.

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APSC Mains 2022 – General Studies GS 2 Question Paper Analysis

APSC Mains 2022 – General Studies GS 2 Question Paper Analysis

 

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Sections

No. of Qs

Constitution

2

Governance & Polity

7

Social Justice

6

International Relations

5

Q1. What do you mean by the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution of India? Discuss the different views around it in the light of the recommendations of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution

Q2. As presiding officer, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is the guardian of the prestige and dignity of the House. Explain.

Q3. How does the Election Commission of India carry out the delimitation of constituencies for State Legislature Assemblies as per the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 

Q4. Discuss how the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) safeguards the interests of the investors.

Q5. Discuss the procedures of amendment to the Constitution in India and South Africa, highlighting the key provisions.

Q6. “The basic purpose of development is to enlarge people’s choices.” Elucidate in the light of the government policies and intervention for development in India.

Q7. “Social assistance measures are critical for social protection and are more common in developing economies than social insurance”. Evaluate the statement.

Q8. “By an objective criterion, such as population, territorial size, GDP, economic potential, civilizational legacy, cultural diversity, political system, and past and ongoing contributions to the activities of the UN – especially UN peacekeeping operations – India is eminently qualified for permanent membership”. Comment.

Q9. “In keeping with its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan”. Elucidate and comment.

Q10. “As close neighbours, India and Nepal share unique ties of friendship and cooperation characterized by an open border and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture.” Examine critically.

Q11. “Instead of providing shelter from market failures and other vicissitudes of life, the welfare states today seek to make their citizens more competitive, responsive and proactive”. Comment.

Q12. “At the centre of India’s development agenda in Myanmar lies connectivity.” Do you agree with the statement? Elucidate with suitable reasons in support of your answer.

Q13. Critically analyze India’s initiative for Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to face natural calamities by the least developed and developing countries and its impact.

Q14. Critically assess the role of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in educating, guiding and motivating fellow Indians to work for social change and national development.

Q15. “A new century is not going to be new at all if we offer only charity, that palliative to satisfy the conscience and keep the same old system of haves and have-nots quietly contained.” Discuss with suitable illustration.

Q16. Discuss the role of the Attorney General of India as the Chief Legal Adviser to the Government of India, highlighting some recent cases of the Supreme Court of India.

Q17. Discuss the challenges confronted by the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India while according essential services. How does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 facilitate the rights’ of the PWDs? Elucidate.

Q18. What is the right to privacy? How is the right to privacy protected through courts in India and Germany?

Q19. Critically assess the use of Article 249 of the Constitution of India that empowers the Parliament to make laws on matters listed in the State List in national interest.

Q20. Discuss the measures for making the Civil Service in India more efficient and responsive to the needs of the public in the light of the rapidly changing social, political and economic milieu of the country.

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APSC Mains 2022 General Studies (GS1) Paper-I

https://youtu.be/ZxEoNOGNFMQ

APSC Mains 2022 General Studies (GS-1) Paper-I

General Studies-I (Indian History, Geography of India & World, Heritage, Culture & Society)
 
 
 
 

Section

No. of Qs

Indian History

7

Heritage, Culture & Society

8

Geography of India & World

5

   
 
More Assam related Qs. In 2020 -> 4, whereas, in 2022 -> 6

Full Marks: 250                                                                                                        Time: 3 hours
 
  1. How do the Principles of Buddhism inspire ecological mindfulness to address the loss of biodiversity? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  2. Is factor endowment always a necessity for the development of an industry? Discuss with reference to Assam. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  3. What role would you suggest for Panchayati Raj Institutions in earthquake preparedness? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  4. Discuss the role of the Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti in women empowerment in the State, highlighting the contributions made by Chandraprabha Saikiani. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  5. What are the main features of Indian Renaissance? (Answer in 150 words) 10
  6. Do you see Indian women as an untapped human resource? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  7. Analyze the role of foreigners who made India their homeland in the Indian Freedom Movement. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  8. “In order to make women’s organization free from gender bias, inclusion of male members needs to be encouraged Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  9. Comment on the new trendy ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  10. Point out the problems in using official sources while writing the history of peasants. (Answer in 150 words) 10
  11. What do you mean by tribal belts and blocks in Assam? What accounts for tribal land alienation in the State? Suggest measures to check this trend. (Answer in 250 words) 3+8+4=15
  12. Analyze the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in strengthening the Indian Nation-State. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  13. How was the Assamese character reflected in the National Freedom Movement from 1921 to 1942? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  14. Despite various social reform movements and existing legislations, casteism in India refuses to go away. Discuss the major factors responsible for this. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  15. As G-20 chair, India has identified women-led development as one of the high priority subjects.” Discuss the merits of women-led development in the context of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  16. What are the factors responsible for the out-migration of rural youths from Assam? Do you think this is a positive and an inevitable process? (Answer in 250 words) 10-5=15
  17. Discuss briefly the influence of the Brahmo Movement on the Assamese society in the 19th century. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  18. Describe how India is contributing to the globalized world with its values and ethos. (Answer in 250 words) 15
  19. While India’s regional and cultural diversity is much celebrated, this has also posed a major challenge in nation building in the post-Independence period. Discuss (Answer in 250 words) 15
  20. Discuss the processes through which the earth-atmosphere system maintains heat balance. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 

APSC Mains 2020 History (Paper II) Question paper

APSC Mains 2020 History (Paper I) Question paper

 

Section – A
 
Q1. Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) “It was Afonso de Albuquerque who laid the real foundation of Portuguese power in India.” (b) The Partition of Bengal (1905) caused a tremendous political agitation which stirred national feelings in India to its very depths.”
(c) The boycott of the Simon Commission provided a great opportunity for the restoration of amity between the different communities and political parties.”
(d) “It is high time that the safety valve theory… was confined to the care of the Mahatmas from whom perhaps it originated!”
(e) “There is ample evidence to show that many individual communists were swayed by the patriotic emotions of the day and actively participated in the Quit India Movement.”
 
Q2. (a) What do you mean by the term ‘commercialization’ of agriculture? What impact did it have upon the economy of India? 10+10=20
(b) Discuss the development of railways in colonial India. 15
(c) Discuss the causes leading to the Santhal Hul Revolution of 1855. 15
 
Q3. (a) Make a critical assessment on different stages of the growth of modern education in India during the colonial administration. 20
(b) Critically analyze the role of the Asiatic Society of Bengal towards understanding India’s cultural and traditional part. 15
(c) The Montague-Chelmsford Act ‘made a clear division of the functions of the Central and Provincial Governments’. Comment. 15
 
Q4. (a) To what extent has the Policy of Reservation been successful in ameliorating the problems of backward castes and tribes in Independent India? 20
(b) Examine the growth and activities of the Muslim League. 15
(c) Discuss the nature and impact of the Revolt of 1857. 15

 
Section – B
Q5. Critically examine the following statements in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) By 1830 England had all the prerequisites for the rapid growth of large-scale factory production.”
(b) “The Third German Empire was essentially a Nazi dictatorship.”
(c) “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle.”
(d) “Neither poverty nor disease but work itself which casts the blackest shadow over the years of the Industrial Revolution.”
(e) “The Second World War was essentially a war of revenge initiated by Germany.”
 
Q6. (a) What were the major causes of the French Revolution of 1789? 20
(b) Globalization had both positive as well as negative impact upon the society. Comment. 15
(c) Analyze the main demands of the Chartists in England. 15
 
Q7. (a) Describe how imperialism and colonization led to the Partition of Africa. 20
(b) Alliances and counter-alliances ultimately led to the outbreak of World War 1. Explain. 15
(c) What were the results of the Chinese Revolution of 1949? 15
 
Q8. (a) Discuss the circumstances leading to the American Revolution. 20
(b) What were the circumstances that contributed to the Cold War rivalry after 1945? 15
(c) The emergence of the Dr. Ho Chi Minh in the North Vietnam and the withdrawal of France from the South East Asia led to the American involvement in the region. Explain. 15
 

 

APSC Mains 2020 History (Paper I) Question paper

APSC Mains 2020 History (Paper I) Question paper

Section – A
Q1. Identify the following places marked on the map supplied to you and write a short note of about 50 words on the historical importance of each of them. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below seriatim :                                                                                                               50
(A) Capital of the Dimasa kingdom
(B) A place of Satras and tribal culture
(C) Capital of the Ahom kingdom
(D) Easternmost important limit of Mughal incursion
(E) Popularly known as ‘Gupta Kashi’
(F) A place of ancient temple ruins and mythology
(G) Site of a famous battle with the Mughals
(H) A place of pilgrimage and religious syncretism
(I) Archaeological site with Hindu, Jain and Buddhist remains
(J) Last capital of an important kingdom
 
Q2. (a) Examine the importance of numismatics in the reconstruction of the history of early India with special reference to Gupta Coins. 20
(b) Examine the importance of Arthashastra in understanding Mauryan polity. 15
(c) Discuss the significance of painted grey ware’ culture to understand the cultural mosaic of North India in the first millennium BC. 15
 
Q3. (a) Analyze the archaeological evidence regarding the extent of megalithic cultures in Eastern and Northeastern India. 20
(b) Explain the social implications of Buddha’s teachings in the context of the social structure of North India in the 6th and 5th C BC. 15
(c) Critically examine the hypothesis that there was a subcontinental urban decay during C 300-600 CE. 15
 
Q4. (a) Examine the relationship between the land grant system and emergence of feudalism under the Guptas and Vakatakas. 20
(b) The period C 300-600 CE is often described as the ‘classical age of Sanskrit literature. Examine the development of Sanskrit literature during this period. 15
(c) Trace the development of temple architecture in early medieval South India. 15

Section – B
Q5. (a) Explain the salient features of the State under the Delhi Sultanate with reference to Fakhr-i-Mudabbir and Ziya Barani’s texts. 10
(b) Examine the impact of West Asian and Central Asian traditions in the development of administrative structures and institutions in the early. period of the Sultanate rule in Northern India. 15
(c) What light does Kitab-ul-Hind throw on Indian society? 15
(d) What were the significant changes introduced by Mahmud Gawan in the Bahmani kingdom? 10
 
Q6. (a) Discuss the various aspects of price-control measures of Alauddin Khalji. 15
(b) Analyze the administrative reforms undertaken during the reign of Pratap Singha (1603-41 CE). 15
(c) Critically analyze the different categories of cultivators in the medieval period. 20
 
Q7. (a) Examine the socio-economic roots of popular monotheistic movements represented by Kabir and Nanak. 20
(b) Examine the contexts and the impact of the revolts by the Jats, Satnamis and the Sikhs at the time of Aurangzeb. 15
(c) “The ‘Jagirdari crisis’ had both an administrative and a social basis.” Explain the statement in the context of the decline of the Mughals. 15
 
Q8. (a) Discuss the social context of the emergence of women Bhakts (saints) in medieval Indian society during the Bhakti Movement. 20
(b Discuss the Mughal school of painting. 15
(c) Examine the impact of the role of the foreign trading companies in the Mughal period. 15
 

APSC Mains 2020 General Studies (GS-5) Paper V (Assam Paper)

APSC Mains 2020 General Studies (GS-5) Paper-5

General Studies-V (History, Culture, Geography, Polity, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment of Assam)

 
 
 
Full Marks: 250                                                                                                        Time: 3 hours
 
 
1. Define, according to your lights, the etymology of the words  ‘Asam’ and Ásamiya’. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
2. “Assam is a living ethnological museum with its diversity of ethnic communities and their cultural patterns.” Illustrate the statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
3. “Assamese farmers are organic by default.” Elaborate the statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
4. Discuss the importance and scope of agro-based industries in Assam. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
5. Give an outline of the ‘Jibondinga Scheme’ of the Government of Assam. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
6. Evaluate the long-term effects of the reforms of Kalicharan Brahma on the Bodo society. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
7. Draw a pen-picture of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika as a cultural icon of the twentieth century Assam. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
8. Write a brief account of the literary achievement of any one of the following authors: (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
(a) Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya
 
(b) Indira Goswami (Mamoni Raisom Goswami)
 
(c) Nilmani Phookan
 

 

 
9. Discuss the steps taken by the Government of Assam in the realm of gender equality in recent years. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
10. Give a brief account of the traditions of folk and classical dances of Assam (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
11. Give a thumbnail sketch of the early history of Kamarupa with special reference to the Varman dynasty. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
12. Write a brief essay on the Asamiya Bhuranji literature of Assam (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
13. Discuss the landmarks of the freedom struggle in Assam from 1921 to 1947. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
14. Illustrate how physiography of a region affects economic activities with reference to the physiographic units of Assam. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
15. “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 Assam in this regard (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
16. Discuss the salient features of the renewed Swami Vivekananda Assam Youth Empowerment Scheme’. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
17. Critically discuss the constitution and functioning of the Assam State Human Rights Commission. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
18. Suggest measures to make tourism a key driver of economic growth in Assam. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
19. Discuss the genesis and working practices of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
20. Discuss the importance of tea industry in the economy of Assam. (Answer in 250 words) 15
 

APSC Mains 2020 General Studies (GS4) Paper-IV

APSC Mains 2020 General Studies (GS-4) Paper-IV

General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)

 
 
 
Full Marks: 250                                                                                                        Time: 3 hours
 
 
Section-A
 
1. Law and Ethics are two tools for controlling human conduct. Explain with examples how the two differ in their approaches. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
2. “Family as an institution in inculcating values seems to set deteriorated in the recent past. Do you agree? Justify your stand. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
3. Discuss the importance of the values of empathy, tolerance and compassion for a bureaucrat in his/her attitude towards weaker sections of society. Do such values contradict the attitude of impartiality and non-partisanship expected from a civil servant? (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
4. Civil services today work in an environment beset with numerous problems and challenges. What is the role of emotional intelligence in guiding administrators to handle these situations?  (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
5. “You must be the change you want to see in the world”, Mahatma Gandhi once said. Discuss the role of administrators as initiators of positive change in society within the regulatory framework of administration, with one’s conscience as a source of ethical guidance.  (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
6. What do you understand by ‘probity’ in governance? Examine the ways in which probity and integrity in governance can check misuse of power and enhance legitimacy of authority.  (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
7. Examine the extent to which corruption possesses a challenge to the development of a proper work culture and acts as a hindrance to delivery of public services.  (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
8. Is ‘ethics’ and ‘effective leadership” cause and effect relationship? Enlist some requirements of leaders which will help them to capitalize on their ability to influence ethical conduct.  (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
9. How are self-accountability and external accountability related to achievement of ethical standards in public administration?  (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
10. What do you understand by the term voice of conscience? How is it different from ‘crisis of conscience? Narrate one incidence to show ‘crisis of conscience’.  (Answer in 150 words) 10

 

 
11. Differentiate between personal ethics and professional ethics. Is there a scope for conflict between them in the conduct of professional duties? (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
12. How can an impartial and non-partisan public service help in proper administration of a democratic government? Give your own reasons to substantiate your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
13. Distinguish between code of ethics’ and ‘code of conduct’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)  (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
 
Section-B
 
14. Suppose there is a flute and three children are claiming it:  (Answer in 250 words) 20
Child 1: 1 have worked hard to make the flute, so I should get it.
Child 2: I can play flute very well, so I should get it. Only I can make a complete use of it. 
Child 3: Both the children are rich and I am poor, so I should get the flute. Other two have other means of enjoying life. 
 
(a) Who according to you should get the flute?
(b) What are the ethical issues in this matter?
(c) What role does justice play in this situation?
 
15. You are head of irrigation department in a district and entrusted with the responsibilities to construct and maintain canals in the district. District is drought prone and irrigation activities are very scanty. The reputation of the department is also dented by a scam. Few employees were caught red-handed while taking bribe.  (Answer in 250 words) 20
(a) What steps would you take for the welfare of the district? 
(b) Give some suggestions by which reputation and prestige of the department can be restored. 
 
16. A young dalit man has recently migrated to a city from his village in search of better employment opportunities. The man is very poor and he does not have any identity proof because of which he is not getting any place on rent and employers are also not giving him any job. He went to a nearby municipal committee office and shared his problem. Out of four officials whom he met, the first official was apathetic, the second official was sympathetic, the third official was empathetic and the fourth official was compassionate.  (Answer in 250 words) 20
(a) How will you judge the attitude of these four officials? 
(b) Why are empathy and compassion important aptitudes for civil servants in India?
 
17. Increased national wealth need not mean increase in the per capita income of all the citizens. Equitable distribution of wealth is still a distant dream in India. There are pockets of minority wealthy families to whom concentration of wealth occur. Majority of people are still without basic necessities of life.
 
Critically analyse the above statement in the context of contemporary Indian economy and society. (Answer in 250 words) 20
 
18. As a civil servant, you are incharge of a government housing construction project which aims at providing houses to weaker sections of the society. However, such construction will result in clearing forest area which is domicile of endangered species. There is no alternate space nearby. How do you respond to such a situation in the context of global warming and sustainable development? (Answer in 250 words) 20
 
19. “If people are good only because they fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.” (Albert Einstein)
 
Examine the essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions in the light of the above statement. (Answer in 250 words) 20
 
 

APSC Mains 2020 General Studies (GS3) Paper-III

APSC Mains 2020 General Studies (GS-3) Paper-III

General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Dev, Biodiversity, Environment, Disaster Management)

 
 
 
Full Marks: 250                                                                                                        Time: 3 hours
 
 
1. What is fiscal deficit? What is the target of fiscal deficit as per the FRBM Act? Why are there demands for having flexibility in FRBM fiscal deficit target in
the recent post-COVID situation? (Answer in 150 words) 4+2+4=10
 
2. Explain the pros and cons of development of railway stations through joint ventures under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. What may be the 
possible reactions of the general public? (Answer in 150 words) 5+5=10
 
3. What are the possible effects of large-scale hydroelectric projects in environment? Write a critical note on the possibilities of having medium and
small-scale projects in place of large-scale ones. (Answer in 150 words) 5+5=10
 
4. Use of various social media has become extremely popular in the present era. Explain how its misuse may be a threat to the national security of India and
also how new legislations can help in tackling these issues. (Answer in 150 words) 5+5=10
 
5. In COP26 held at Glasgow, UK, India has committed to achieve the target of Net Zero Emission’ by 2070. What are the implications of the commitment?
Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
6. Discuss analytically the hydrometeorological, geological biological and technological hazards in the context of Assam. (Answer in 150 words) 10
 
7. Give the reasons for increase of educated unemployment in India. What may be the short-term and long-term measures to reduce the problem?
(Answer in 150 words) 5+5=10
 
8. How is the budgetary allocation of the Government of India in the education sector changing? Explain how this change may affect especially the primary
education. (Answer in 150 words) 5+5=10
 

 

 
9. What is the aim of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’ and what are the main pillars of this vision plan? (Answer in 150 words) 5+5=10
 
10. What is nano-science and technology? Give an account as to how it can be used in medical and pharmaceutical sectors. (Answer in 150 words) 5+5=10
 
11. What is the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the context of agriculture? Explain its role in the Green Revolution Critically examine the existing system of MSP. (Answer in 250 words) 5+5+5=15
 
12. Distinguish between FDI and FII. Discuss their relative merits and demerits as sources of external investment for a country’s economic growth. (Answer in 250 words) 5+10=15
 
13. In the context of Assam, provide clear examples of physical, social, economic and ecological factors of disaster vulnerability. Do you notice any emerging trend in disaster impact, hazards and vulnerability patterns? (Answer in 250 words) 10+5=15
 
14. What are the biodiversity hot spots and what is their importance? Mention some biodiversity hotspots in India and explain the measures to be taken to preserve them. Answer in 250 words) 5+10=15
 
15. Though paddy is major crop in India it seems its production is affected either by drought or by flood. What are the possible steps to tackle these problems especially in North-East India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
 
16. What are the reasons for failure of several public sector enterprises in India? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of privatizing such enterprises (Answer in 250 words) 5+10=15
 
17. What are the points to be looked into in the preparation of management of a large earthquake? Describe the long term measures to be taken in managing floods in North-East India. (Answer in 250 words) 8+7=15
 
18. What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)? Why is it imperative to carry out an EIA of any large industrial infrastructure project? (Answer in 250 words) 5+10=15
 
19. Name the organizations that constitute the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPE). What are the roles played by the CAPF in ensuring security of the country (Answer in 250 words) 5+10=15
 
20. What are the key elements of ‘inclusive growth’? Why is inclusive growth important in the context of sustainable development? (Answer in 250 words) 5+10=15