Pages

RAS MAINS GK AND GS

RAS  MAINS GK AND GS TEST PAPER 
1. Write notes on any three of the following (in about 150 words
each)                                                                               3×15=45                  
a) India’s strategic interests in South Asia
b) China’s ‘peaceful rise’ doctrine
c) India Russia Defence Ties
d) India’s ‘soft’ and ‘Hard’ power strategy in foreign policy
2.  Write brief notes on any four of the following in about 50
words each                                                                        4×5=20                  
      a) Nuclear Supply Group ( NSG ) and India
      b) Your view on the recent ‘ Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment
           and Self Governance Order 2009’
     c)  Wakhan Corridor
     d) Nuclear Submarine ‘ Arihant’
     e) National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)
3. Comment on any two of the following in about 100 words
                                                                                         2×10=20                  
a) India – USA as strategic partners
b) Ethnic conflict in South Asia  
c) ‘ NEPAD’ and its objectives
Time Allowed: Three Hours  Maximum Marks: 300
VISION IAS INTERACTIVE DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMME UNDER GUIDANCE OF EXPERTS4. Write on any two of the following in about 50 words each.
                                                                                         2×5=10                                                                    
a) Indo-Bhutan trade relations
b) Sino Myanmar relations    
c) Geopolitics and Geostrategy
. .
5. Comment critically on any one of the following statements in
not more than 200 words:                                                       20                                                                                                                        
a) “ Foreign investment is far from being critical to India’s
economic growth”
b) “ The Lesson of current global financial crisis is  that
India should halt and may be even reverse financial
liberalization”.
6. Answer any one of the following in about 200 words :       20                                                  
a). “ In the WTO negotiations over the years of the DOHA
Rounds , India appears to be diluting its stand on agriculture
issues to pursue perceived gains in services”. Critically
examine this statements.
b).  Discuss the Indo – US Knowledge initiative in
Agriculture.
7. Answer any  two of the following questions (in about 150
words each)                                                                      15×2=30                  
a) Evaluate  the prospects for greater economic cooperation
between India & China.
b) Does India need the world Bank ?
c) Critically assesses the recent Free Trade Agreement
entered into by India with ASEAN.
8. Answer any  three of the following questions (in about 150
words each)                                                                     3 ×15=45                  
a) What do you understand by ‘Biosignatures’? Discuss
briefly.
b) Write about Green Florescence Protein ( GFP ) and its
application.
c) Define ‘ Bioinformatics’ . How does it work ? What  is
the major branches and applications ?
d) What is the ‘ Hubble Space Telescope’ ? How many
Service Mission ( SMs) have been conducted for it ?
GENERAL STUDIES PRELIM TEST SERIES PROGRAMME GENERAL STUDIES MAINS TEST SERIES PROGRAMME9. Explain any four of the following (100 words each)   4 ×10=40                        
a) DNA Finger Printing and its utility.
b) What is ‘Nanotech’. Give a brief account of its basic
concepts, material used and applications.
c) What is ‘ Graphene’? Mention at least three of its
applications.
d) Define ‘ optical frequency comb’ . Suggest at least three
applications.
e) Why is Tele-medicine important for country like India?
10. Write brief notes on any five of the following ( in about 30
words each):                                                                    5 ×13=15                                                                                                      
a) Artificial Sun
b) ‘ Vegetable Gold’    
c) PFCs and ‘ liquid breathing’
d) The ‘ P- 8 A Poseidon’
e) Biometric ATMs
f) Extra Vehicle Activity ( EVA)
11. a). The total areas of cultivation of high, medium and low
sugar content, sugarcanes in four regions of a state are given
below :
Sugar  Region
Content  North  South  East  West
High  100 100 200 50
Medium  300 300 400 250
Low  800 400 1000 700
Total  1200 800 1600 1000
Draw suitable diagram that facilitates the comparison of areas of
cultivation of different sugar content varieties among the four
regions                                                                                          6
b). The following table gives the production of soda ash ( in tons
) by three companies ( A , B and C ) over seven years period :
Company 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
A  20 25 28 31 34 36 41
B  15 18 23 35 40 46 50
C  45 43 40 37 30 26 20
Draw a suitable diagram so as to compare the performance of
these companies.                                                                           6
OPTIONAL SUBJECTS PRELIM STUDY MATERIAL  OPTIONAL SUBJECTS MAINS STUDY MATERIALc). The following date relate to the sales and net profit ( in
Rupees Crores) of a company :                                                     4
Years  1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99
Sales  100 250 300 290 680
Net Profits  2.5 4.5 6 8.5 12
i). In which year the percentage of growth in sales, relative to the
previous year is higher?
ii). In which year the percentage of growth in net profit , relative
to the previous year , is higher?
iii). Let the probability be defined as the ratio of Net Profit to
sales. In which Year the profitability is higher ?
d). The Total sales ( in ‘000 rupees ) of a particular item in shop ,
on 10 consecutive days , is reported by a clerk as follows :         5
     35.00 29.60          38.00     30.00          40.00
     41.00          42.00            45.00          3.60            3.80
Later it was found that reports of the 4
th
 and 8
th
 days were 10.00
more than the true values and that in the last two days the clerk
put a decimal wrongly one place to the left ( for example , 3.60
was really 36.0 ). Calculate the true mean value of sale
12.a). In a factory , 1500 women are working . Eight hundred of
them come from rural areas and 450 of the married women are
skill labourers. The number of skilled , rural and  married
labourers is 300. of the 400 unmarried and skilled  women
labourers ,  250 are from urban areas. The number of married ,
semi skill women labouers from urban areas is 200. One hundred
married rural women are semi skilled labourers.
       Tabulate the above information.                                          4
b). The mean score of a class in an examination is 70. If the
mean score of boys is 60 and that of girls is 75, obtain the
percentage of girls in the class.                                                    4
c). In a city 20% people read newspaper A , 25% people read B
and 10% read both A and B . What is the percentage of people
who read at least one of the two newspapers ?                           2
d).  In order to study the effect of inoculation on TB , It was
found that the number of inoculated and unaffected from TB is
28. and not inoculated and affected from TB is 13. If inoculation
was performed over 40 persons out of 60 persons, complete the
table and obtain the missing numbers.                                         2
. The percentage of literates six villages of an area are noted as
follows :                                                                                      2
           52 , 46 , 21 , 30 , 17 , 24
Can compute the percentage of literates in the entire area from
this information ? If yes , compute the percentage. If no , state
what additional information you would need for computation.  

Thursday, March 29, 2012


BHARAT 2010 or INDIA 2010 Book Free download

Those who are preparing for civil services the year book published by publications division of Ministry of Information and Communication, Government is a good reference book beside being authoritative and rich source of government data. Also the book is very informative o the common man who want to know about government policies and various programmes run by the government.
The good part is that from last few years government is providing the book free to the readers. The book can be legally downloaded from the official website of the publication division.
About Book :
“India, that is Bharat” is not only a vast and diversified country but a subcontinent in more ways than one. INDIA 2010 Reference Annual gives a panoramic view of country’s progress in the field of economy, rural and urban development, industry and infrastructure, art and culture, health, defence, education, mass communication, etc. It also showcases latest advancements is science and information technology.
It incorporates sections on general knowledge, current affairs, sports, events of the past year and latest ones too. A rich source of authentic and definitive data makes it a compulsory read for students as well as researchers and academics.
Here are the direct link to the book in Hindi and English
Download Links
INDIA 2010
Author : Publications Division
Language : English
Paper Binding : (Rs.) 345
BHARAT 2010

MODEL PAPEL TEST PAPER FOR RAS MAINS


MODEL PAPEL TEST PAPER FOR RAS MAINS GK&GS                                                                    1. Critically analyze any  two of the following statements with
reference to the context in which they were made (in about 150
words each)                                                                   15×2=30                  
a) “Many Englishmen honesty consider themselves the
trustees for India and yet to what a condition they have
reduced our country”.
b) “The Foreign power will be withdrawn but for me real
freedom will come only when we free ourselves of the
dominance of western education , western culture and
western way of living which have been ingrained in us”.
c) “Satan cannot enter till he finds a flaw ……. A great
ocean separate us educated few from the millions in our
country”.
2.  Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each)                                                                  
a) King Nongbah                                                              2×10=20                  
b) Maski
c) Govind Guru
d) ‘ Brahmadeya ’
e) ‘ Egmore Faction’
f)  ‘ Haileybury College
g) Ijara System
h) Taji Mideren
i) Gurudwara Reform Movement
j) ‘ Marumakkathayam’
3. Answer any  four of the following questions (in about 150
words each)                                                                      15×4=60                                        
a) Assess the significance of coastal regions in the economic
development of India.
b) Discuss the wetlands and their role in the ecological
conservation in India.  
c) Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for
regionally differentiated approach to increase crop
production and diversification in the country.
d) Bring out the Significance of the various activities of the
Indian Metrological Department.
e) Examine the status of urbanization among the states in
India and bring out spatial inequalities.
4.  Write about the following (not exceeding 30 words each)  
                                                                                          3×10=30                                                                                                                  
a) ‘ Bhuvan Website ‘
b) National Waterways
c) Ultra Mega Power Projects
d) NNRMS
e) BSUP Scheme
f) Gagan Project
g) Fruit Production in India
h) Section 377 of IPC
i) ‘ Wherebouts clause of WADA”
j) Barren Island
5. Answer any  two of the following questions (in about 100
words each)                                                                   10×2=20                  
a) Analyse India’s achievements in the sports sectors during
2008-2009.
b) List the salient features of the important folk dances of
either Central India or Northern Eastern India.
c) What are the important similarities and difference
between the Hindustani and the Carnatic Styles of Classic
music?
6. Answer any  two of the following questions (in about 150
words each)                                                                      15×2=30                  
a) What are your views on the features and impact of
Domestic Violence Act, 2005?
b) Are the traditional determinants of voting behavior in
India changing? Examine in the context of last General
Elections.  
c) Examine corruption as a serious development challenge
in Indian Polity.
7. Answer any  two of the following questions (in about 150
words each)                                                                      15×2=30                                        
a) Mushrooming of Higher Educational Institutions was  a
matter of grave concern for Yashpal Committte. With
reference to the relevant portion of that report give your
views how to harmonise private investment and quality of
education.
b) In the changing context of governance in the country,
what should be the role of the UPSC?
c) In the Context of recent incidents , suggest measures on
how security of passengers and property can be improved
over indian railways.
8. Answer any  one of the following questions (in about 250
words each)                                                                              30
a) Comment on the salient features of the Integrated Energy
Policy recently approved by the government and its
implication on the energy security needs of the country.
b) How far has impact of the global meltdown been
reflected in the Economic Survey 2008-09? Identify some
of the core areas given priority to neutralize the adverse
effects of the global downturn.
9. Answer any  two of the following questions (in about 150
words each)                                                                      15×2=30                  
a) Trace the significance steps in the evolution of Television
in the country.
b) The Last National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
displayed a very dismal picture of nutrition as regards
several indicators for average Indians. Highlights  the
salient aspects of this problem.
c) ‘ As we live in a plural society we need the greatest
freedom to expresss our opinions even if others find it
offensive’ – Do you agree ? Discuss with reference  to
some recent incidents in the Indian context.
10.  Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each)                                                                  
a)Desert National Park                                                     2×10=20                  
b) Significance of 26
th
 November in the Country’s Polity
c) Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra
d) Girni Kamgar Union
e) Ayush-64
f)  Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi ( GGVN)
g) Deep Joshi’s recent Achievement
h) Satya Vrat Shastri’s recent achievement  
i) Pocket Veto
j) PESA , 1996  

COSTITUTION OF INDIA


Constitution of India in Hindi, English PDF Format

Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties, government and spells out the fundamental rights, directive principles and duties of citizens. It is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world, containing 444 articles in 26 parts, 12 schedules and 94 amendments, for a total of 117,369 words in the English language version. Besides the English version, there is an official Hindi translation.
Download or Read Constitution of India

GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) – Questions Pattern & Trends Analysis


INDIA AND WORLD
FOREIGN POLICY OF INDIA 
1. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words):    (00/10)
 (a)   What does track two diplomacy stands for?
 (b)  Non-alignment is a need, not a creed. Elaborate.
 (c)   Differentiate between Peace-making and Peace keeping.
 (d)  What is deterrence?
       (e)  Why has the indigenous development of Cryogenic Engine become necessary for India.
2. How can India accommodate her foreign policy principle of ‘non-intervention’ with the
emerging right to ‘intervention’?  (00/15)
3. Differentiate between Collective security and Cooperative security. (00//2)
4. What does ‘Gujral doctrine

stand for?    (02//2)
5. “NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) is relevant in Unipolar World as well.” Comment.(02/15)
6. Discuss the role of ‘intelligence’ in the making of foreign policy. (04/15)
7. Examine the relevance of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s ideas in the international relations of today.
                                                                                                                (04/15)
8. Present a complete picture of India’s efforts for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
                                                                                                                  (05/15)
9. Write about Panchsheel in India’s Foreign Policy. (07/2)
10. Write about Relevance of NAM.  (07//2)
11. Write about India’s Ocean Development Policy. (08/2)
12. Write notes on India and the New World Order.  (08/30)
SECURITY AND DEFENSE RELATED MATTERS
NUCLEAR POLICY, ISSUES, AND CONFLICTS
1. On what grounds did India not sign the CTBT? (97/10)
2. Differentiate and state the significance of Pokharan I and Pokharan II. (00/15)
3.    Differentiate between Explosion and Implosion. (00/2)
4. Outline the salient features of India’s nuclear policy and explain the reasons
        for India’s refusal to sign the C.T.B.T. (01/15)
5. What were the major recommendations of the ‘group of ministers’ on Indian National Security
System?                                (01/15)
6.    Account for India’s opposition to Comprehensive Test Ban treaty. (02/15)
7. Explain India’s ‘No First Use’ policy in context of Nuclear Weapons. (02/2)
8.    Discuss India’s policy towards international terrorism.  (03/2)
9.    Write about Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. (06/2
Vision IAS
www.visionias.cfsites.org
www.visionias.wordpress.com
GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) – Questions Pattern & Trends Analysis  2
INDIA – PAKISTAN
1.  India’s Kargil victory rested on its successful effort at combining diplomacy
        with the use of force. Discuss.  (00/15)
2. What do you know about Siachin Dispute ? (00/2)
3.    Why does India object to Kashmir being treated as a disputed territory? (01/2)
4. Discuss the importance of the Agra Summit on Indo-Pakistan relations. (03/2)
5. What has been the nature of “Track II diplomacy” between India and Pakistan?(03/2)
6. Discuss the role played by the United States in promoting/hindering improved
        relations between India and Pakistan.   (04/15)
7. Write short note: Hot Line between Islamabad and New Delhi. (04/2)
8.    Write about MFN status to India by Pakistan.  (05/2)
9. Write about Simla Agreement.  (06/2)
10. Write about Major hurdles in Indo-Pak ties. (08/2)
INDIA – UNITED STATE
1. How did U.S. respond to the problem of Cross-border terrorism in the State of Jammu and
Kashmir after the Kaluchak events?   (02/15)
2. Discuss the major issues in Indo-US relations in recent times.  (03/15)
3. Write about: Camp David Accord of 1978.  (05/2)
4. What is the ‘strategic partnership’ between India and United State of America?
       What are its implications for both the partners? (06/30)
5.    Write about Indo-US military cooperation.                                                      (06, 2)
6.    Write about Hyde Act of 2006  (07/2)
INDIA - RUSSIA
1. Discuss the impact of the collapse of the Soviet Union on Indo-Russian relations.(03/15)
2. Explain India’s strategic relationship with Russia.   (04/15)
3. Indo-Russian Defense Co-operation.       (07/15)
INDIA – CHINA
1.    Discuss the major irritants in Indo-China relations and highlight the latest moves to overcome
these.  (02/15)
2.    Discuss the recent trends in India’s relations with China.                               (03/15)
3. Write short note on Indians in China.                                                            (05/2)
4. Write notes on India and China: Strategy to Boost Ties. (08/30) 3
INDIA – EUROPEAN UNION
1.    Answer on European Union’s trade restrictions against India.   (04/2)
2.    Write about Indo-EU Economic Ties.   (08/2)
 
INDIA – SOUTH EAST ASIA
1. Which organisation prepares the report entitled ‘Our Global Neighbourhood’?
        What are its major recommendations?  (95/6)
2. Why has ‘Baring’ been in the news? Who has been held responsible for its present situation?
                                                                                                                   (95/6)
3. What is India’s ‘Look East Policy”?  (01/2)
4. Explain the problem of infiltration in eastern parts of India.  (01/2)
5. Write about Look East Policy and North-East India.  (08/2)
INDIA - SRI LANKA, NEPAL, BANGLADESH AND BHUTAN
1. Discuss Indian-Sri Lankan relations in recent years. (00/15)
2.    What is the significance of Pyrdiwah and Boraibari in Indo-Bangladesh relations?  (01/2)
3.    Explain India’s stand on LITE.  (02/2)
4.    How does India benefit from good neighborly relations with Bangladesh?  (02/2)
5.   Discuss the major irritants to Indo-Bangladesh relations.                                  (03/2)
6.   In what sense is Indo-Nepal cooperation important for both countries’ national security?  
                                                                                                                                 (03/2)
7.    Weak-spots in India-Nepal relations.          (04/2)
8.    Write short note on Pakistan’s role in Sri Lanka. (06/2)
9.    India’s response to political crisis in Bangladesh.  (07/15)
10.  Write notes on Indo-Bhutan Relations . (08/15)
11.   Write about India-Bangladesh Border Road cum fencing. (08/2)
INDIA – ISRAEL & IRAN
1. Examine the latest phase of Indo-Iran relations. (01/15)
2.    Write short note: India-Israel Cooperation. (04/2)
3. Explain the political and economic implications of the Indo-Iran gas pipeline.(05/15)
4. Write about India-Israel cooperation in the field of agriculture. (06/2) 4
THE INDIAN DIASPORA AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO INDIA AND THE WORLD
1.    Answer the following. (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words) :
 (a)   What does the Global organisation of people of Indian origin stand for?
 (b)  What is the impact of economic sanctions against India on NRIs ?
 (c)   Why is Fiji crisis of May 19, 2000 a specific concern for India?
 (d)   Examine the role of NRIs in the liberalisation process of India.
 (e)   Mention few NRIs who have brought name and fame for India.      (00/10)
2. Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words) :
 (a)  In what fields have N.R.I.’s excelled in the developed countries?
 (b)  In which specialties Indians are most wanted abroad?
 (c)   What efforts are being made by Indian Government to look after N.R.I.’s ?
 (d) What is the contribution of the N.R.I.’s to India’s development?
 (e)  Why do N.R.I.’s retain their emotional attachment to India? (01/10)
3.    Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words) :
 (a)  What are the problems NRIs have to face if they decide to settle in India?
 (b)  What was India Millennium Deposit Scheme?
 (c)  What has been the impact of Gulf remittances on India’s economy?
 (d)  Name the nodal agency to deal with issues relating to Indians abroad and explain its
main task.
 (e)  What is distinction between ‘Non Resident Indian’ and ‘People of India origin

?(02/10)
4.    Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words)
 (a)   Under what conditions are NRIs permitted to remit deposits in India in any currency of
their choice?
 (b)  How can NRIs be attracted to invest in India?
 (c)   What is the significance of the Pravasi   Bhartiya Divas m modern India?
 (d)  In what ways did Idi Amin make life difficult for the people of Indian origin in his country?
 (e) What is “Brain drain” ?  (03/10)
5.    Answer the following (Answer to each question should be in about 20 words)
 (a)   Categorize the People of Indian Origin (PIO).
 (b)  Point out the difference between the Jewish Diaspora and the Indian Diaspora.
 (c)   What are the references made to the NRI in the Union Budget July 2004?
 (d)  What is known as reverse migration?
 (e)  Why was January 9 chosen to observe the NRI (Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas) Day ?      
                                                                                                                              (04/10)     5
6.    Write about the following (in about 20 words each) :
 (a)   Contribution of the NRIs to GCC countries
 (b)  Future of Indians in Fiji
 (c)   Indians in the House of Lords, UK
 (d)  Contribution of Indians in Silicon Valley
 (e)  Exodus of persons of Indian origin from Uganda (06/10)
7. Write about Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana, 2006.  (07/2)
8. Write about Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.  (07//2)
9.  Write about Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.         (08/2)
10. Write about Indian Diaspora in Singapore. (08/2)
11. Write about Indian Diaspora and Bollywood (08/2)
12. Write about Council for Promotion of Oversea Employment (CPOE). (08/2)
14. Write about Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme. (08/2)

GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) – Questions Pattern & Trends Analysis



INDIAN ECONOMY ∧ INDIA’S ECONOMIC INTERACTION WITH
THE WORLD
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OF INDIAN ECONOMY
(Industrial, Agricultural and Service Sector)
1. India is rapidly emerging as an Information Technology (IT) Superpower. Discuss some
aspects of the growth of this Sector in the Indian economy. What role can public policy
play in further enhancing growth prospects in this Sector?                             (00/30)    
2. What do you mean by ‘Parallel Economy’?                                                       (00/3)
3. What are the objectives of New Economic Policy of the Government of India? (00/3)
4. Write a note on Rao - Manmohan model of development.  (00/3)
5. What is ‘CRISIL’? What does it do?        (01/2)
6. What do you mean by providing industry status to agriculture in India ? (01/2)
7. Distinguish between “human development index” and “gender-related development
index”.  (01/2)
8. What is meant by “trickle-down” theory of development? (01/2)
9. What are ‘Minimum Support Prices’ in agricultural products? What are their objectives?
                                                                                                                   (02/15)
10. Elucidate ‘Special Economic Zones’.  (02/2)
11. State the comprehensive structural reforms under-taken to improve the Indian economy
since 1991.  (04/30)
12. Examine the effect of economic development on environmental degradation in India.
                                                                                                                  (04/15)
13. How is human development index for life expectancy measured ? (04/2)
14. Explain the necessity and role of controls in a mixed economy like India. (04/2)
15. Distinguish between primary sector, secondary sector and tertiary sector. What is the
change in the share of each sector in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during period of
1950-2000 ?  (04/2)
16. What has been the policy of agricultural development during last two decades in India?
                                                                                                                   (04/2)
17. Write about Physical Quality Life Index.    (05/2)
18. What are the reasons for industrial sickness in India? Suggest suitable remedies.(05/30)
19. Write about: Crude oil price and Indian economy. (05/2)
20. Write about : What is Gandhian economy? (05/2)
21. Write about: Second Green Revolution.  (05/2)
22. Write about: The notion of development of under- development. (05/2)
23. What were the terms of reference of the Abid Hussain .Committee? (05/2)
24. What is a rogue state ?  (05/2)
Vision IAS
www.visionias.cfsites.org
www.visionias.wordpress.com
GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) – Questions Pattern & Trends Analysis  2
25. Describe the main sources of Industrial finance in India. How could India be benefited
from recent developments in International finance ?  (06/30)
26. Discuss the role of public sector during the post-reform period of Indian economy.
                                                                                                                                (06/15)
27. What is Phillips curve?                                                                                     (06/2)
28. Write short notes on Footloose Industries. (07/2)
29. Comment on the relationship between credit availability and agricultural growth in India.
                                                                                                                 (07/30)
30. Answer any two of the following :
 (a) What is the meaning and aim of Social Forestry? What are the main weaknesses
noticed in Social Forestry Programme?
 (b) Bring out the main objectives of Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana. The scheme is being
implemented by which agency?
 (c) Explain Mega Food Park Scheme of Government of India.  (07/15)
31. Explain the terms:                                                                                          (07/2)
 (a) Merit Goods.                                            (b)     Trickle Down Theory
 (c) Engel’s Law                                             (d)      Meaning of CCIL
 (d) Administered Price                                  (e)      Capital-Output Ratio.                
32. Discuss: Assistance to the States for Development of Export Infrastructure and other
Activities (ASIDE).   (08/15)
PLANNING
Five Year Plans / Rural and Urban Development / Poverty / Unemployment / Population
1. Control overgrowth of population in India is an essential condition for the country’s rapid
economic development. Discuss.  (00/30)
2. Discuss the economic effects of Black money (Parallel economy) in Indian economy.
                                                                                                                  (00/15)
3. What are the main objectives of the 9th Five-Year Plan of the Government of India? (00/2)
4. What has been the impact of the recent economic reforms programme on the incidence of
poverty in India ?  (00/2)
5. What are the UNDP indicators with reference to the planning process? (01/10)
6. What is the incidence of poverty in India? How should poverty alleviation programmes be
constructed ?  (01/30)
7. What is meant by “couple protection ratio” ? (01/2)
8. Explain “rolling plan”.  (01/2)
9. Illustrate Lorenz curve.  (01/2)
10. What is “misery index” ?  (01/2)
11. Outline the main targets fixed in the National Population Policy 2000. What have been the
follow up measures to this policy ?  (02/2)
12. Define Sex ratio in the population of India. What is its present status? (02/2)
13. Write a note on the strategy of planning in India since 1951.  (03/30)
14. Outline the important objectives of the Tenth Five Year Plan.  (03/15) 3
15. What is Plan Holiday?  (03/2)
16. What is the main objective of the Competition Act, 2002? (03/2)
17.  HOW is poverty level measured? Evaluate poverty eradication programmes in India.
                                                                                                                                (04/30)
18. What is ‘social justice’ in the context of Indian economy ? (04/2)
19. Differences between absolute poverty and relative poverty. (05/2)
20. What is structural unemployment?  (05/2)
21. What are the implications of gender disparities in India?  (06/15)
22. What is Laffer curve ?  (06/2)
23. What is disguised unemployment ?  (06/2)
24. What is rolling settlement ?  (06/2)
FISCAL DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC FINANCE
Tax Structure, Reforms and changes / Budget
1. Write a note on MODVAT Scheme of 1986. (00/2)
2. What do you mean by revenue deficit in the Central Government’s Budget? (00/2)
3. What are the hurdles faced by the Finance Ministers of India in keeping the fiscal deficit
below 3-4 percent of the GDP? Suggest steps to lower the fiscal deficit.  (01/15)
4. What is peak rate of Custom duty? What are its objectives in India? (01/2)
5. Define fiscal deficit.  02/2)
6. The Union Budget 2002-03 recommended some services to be taxed. Name any four of
these services.  (02/2)
7. What is ‘dumping

? What is its objective ? (02/2)
8. Distinguish between ad-valorem and specific duties.  (02/2)
9. Define zero-based- budget.  (02/2)
10. What were the major recommendations of the Task Force on direct taxes appointed
under the Chairmanship of Shri Vijay L. Kelkar ? (03/30)
11. What is Value Added Tax?  (03/2)
12. What is the main thrust of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill?(03/2)
13. Explain the essential feature of differential rate of interest scheme. (03/2)
14. Which are the three major items of expenditure of the Government of India on revenue
account ?  (03/2)
15. What is Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT)? (04/2)
16. What is deficit financing ?  (04/2)
17. Explain full convertibility of Indian Rupee. (06/10)
18. Write about Business Process Outsourcing.  (06/2)
19. What is twin deficit ?  (06/2) 4
PRICE AND MONETARY MANAGEMENT
1. Differentiate between “galloping inflation” and “run-away, inflation”.  (01/2)
2. Indian economy presents a paradox of high savings rate with low-income and high
savings rate with low growth rate. Analyze. (01/30)
3. What does “priority sector lending” mean? (04/2)
4. Write about Cost-push inflation.                 (05/2)
5. What is stagflation?   (07/2)
6. What is Venture Capital?         (07/2)
FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION AND MONEY AND CAPITAL MARKET
Banks / Financial institutions / Capital and commodity markets / Insurance and pension funds
1. Discuss the nature and causes of the UTI crisis with particular reference to US-64. How
does this UTI fiasco affect the investment climate in India? (01/15)
2. Expand the term “NASDAQ”.  (01/2)
3. Distinguish between a “hard” currency and a “soft” currency. (01/2)
4. Highlight the main feature of the policy relating to buy- back of shares. (03/2)
5.    Describe the recommendations of Narasimham Committee regarding the banking sector
in India,   (04/15)
6.     What is Cash Reserve Ratio?                   (04/2)
7. Write about Dow Jones.  (05/2)
8. Write about Repo market.  (05/2)
9. What is Hundi?  (06/2)
10. What is the main difference between free trade area and common market? (06/2)
11. What is forward currency market?  (06/2)
12. What is offshore currency market?  (06/2)
13. What are Eurobonds?  (06/2)
14. What are nifty and the nifty junior?  (06/2)
15. What is Cheap Money?   (07/2)
16. What is Hot Money?   (07/2)
EXTERNAL SECTOR
Balance of payments / Foreign Trade / Foreign Exchange / WTO negotiations and India /
Liberalisation & Globalisation
1. Discuss the reasons for the failure of the Seattle Millennium talks on the WTO (World
Trade Organisation). Discuss some implications of this failure for the Indian economy.
                                                                                                                (00/15)
2. Liberalisation of the Indian economy since 1991 has led to excessive consumerism and
over-production of ‘white goods’. Elucidate. (01/15) 5
3. What do you understand by “Current Account Convertibility of Rupee’”? (01/2)
4. What is meant by “Most Favored Nation” policy? (01/2)
5. The main thrust of Export-Import Policy 2002 - 07 is on creating a framework for
enhancing India’s export capability. In the light of this statement outline the salient
features of EXIM Policy 2002-07.  (02/30)
6. Outline the main’ objectives and achievements of the policy of disinvestment in India.
                                                                                                                                (02/15)
7. Explain the provision of OGL.  (02/2)
8. Explain RBI’s ‘Automatic route’ in FDIs.  (02/2)
9. What do you understand by ‘Capital Account Convertibility’ of Rupee? (02/2)
10. Point out the measures undertaken towards flexibility in capital account transactions
during the recent past.  (03/15)
11. Why did India have a surplus in current account balance in 2001-02 after a gap of 24
years?   (03/2)
12. Name the two agencies that have helped to promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in
India.   (03/2)
13. What are the major provisions of Agreements on Agriculture in the context of World Trade
Organization?  (04/2)
14. Elucidate Special Drawing Rights.  (04/2)
15. What is Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) ? (04/2)
16. What is WTO? What are India’s objections to its overall functioning? (04/10)
17. Write about: Full convertibility.  (05/2)
18. What is the role of external financial assistance in Indian economy? (05/15)
19. What is Euro-control ?  (05/2)
20. What is the concept of copyleft?  (05/2)
21. What is banana war?  (05/2)
22. Discuss the importance of World Trade Organization (WTO) to Indian economy in the
light of various opportunities and challenges at the global level.  (06/30)
23. Examine the effects of globalisation on poverty removal in India.  (06/15)
24. What is Agri-Trade?  (06/2)
25. What are non-factor services in India’s balance of payments? (06/2)
26. Explain the implications of the implementation  of Intellectual Property Clauses in our
patent law regime after joining the WTO. (06/30)
27. What do we understand by ‘Doha Round’ of talks? (06/10)
28. What is Dumping? Evaluate the remedial measures taken by Government of India
       Vis-a-vis WTO provisions regarding dumping.  (07/30)
29. What is Countervailing Duty?  (07/2)
30. Explain the term Balance on Current Account. (07/2)
31. What is Budget Deficit?         (07/2)
32. Explain the term Most Favoured Nations.  (07/2)
33. Discuss the performance of India in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). (08/30)
34. Discuss: Convertibility of Indian Rupee.  (08/15)
35. Discuss: India on Global Competitiveness Index-2007.  (08/15) 6
36. Write about the following   (08/10)
 (a)   Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)              
       (b)      NAMA
 (c)    Non-tariff trade barriers                            
        (d)     Current Account Balance
 (e)      Free Trade Area
37. Discuss India’s stand on agricultural issues in WTO’s Ministerial Conferences since Doha
Round.   (08/30)
NATIONAL INCOME
1. Explain per capita income as a measurement of economic growth. (00/2)
2. What is green GNP?  (01/2)
3. ‘What is Green GDP?  (05/2)
PUBLIC PROGRAMMES
Poverty Alleviation / Employment / Rural Development / Environment &
Sustainable Development
1.   How is poverty line defined in India? Briefly enumerate the measures undertaken by the
      Government in recent year to alleviate poverty?                                            ( 96/20)  
2.   What is a Lorentz curve ?                                                                               (96/2)
3.   What measures has the government taken to make women economically independent
      self reliant during the last decade?                                                                  (97/20)
4.   Why was the rationale for ‘Mid-day Meal’ Scheme?                                         (97/3)
5.   Describe the use of ‘Command Area Development’ in India.                          ( 97/3)
6. What is (Revised) Targeted Public Distribution System?What are its main features?                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                          (00/15)
7. What are the objectives of Social Security? (00/2)
8. Describe the use of ‘Command Area Development’ in India. (00/2)
9. How has the Census (1991) defined the Urban Areas? (00/2)
10. What is the rationale for ‘Mid-day Meal’ Scheme? (00/2)
11. With what objectives was ‘Essential Commodities Act 1955' amended last year?
                                                                                                                                 (02/15)
12. Highlight salient feature of ‘National Highway Development Project’. (02/2)
13. With what objectives was ‘Annapurna’ Scheme launched? (02/2)
14. Elucidate ‘Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojna’. (02/2)
15. Why was Janashree Bima Yojana introduced? (03/2)
16. What was the essential feature of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana ? (03/2)
17. Explain the objectives of Plant Varieties Right Act, 2002. (04/2)
18. Write about Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Yojana. (05/2)
19. What is the difference between Green Box subsidies and Blue Box subsidies?(06/2) 7
ECONOMIC ORGANISATION (INDIA & WORLD)
1.   Write a short note on European Common Market (1992). (90/5)
2. Give the full names of:
 (i)  FAO        (ii) FOB        (iii)    GATT   (92/3)
3. What is Group of 77 ?  (95/3)
4.    What are the main objectives of NABARD? (00/2)
5. What do you know about 11
th
 Finance Commission? (00/2)
6. What is the role of SEBI?  (02/2)
7. What is a Finance Commission?  (03/15)
8. When was the idea of Agriculture Insurance Corporation mooted? (03/2)
9. What are the objectives of the Twelfth Finance Commission? (04/2)
10. What is the main objective of Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?
                                                                                                                   (04/2)
11. What is IFC ?  (05/2)
12. Examine the functions of the European Free Trade Association.‘                    (05/5)
13.   What is CEMA bloc?  (06/2)

GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) – Questions Pattern & Trends Analysis


GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA
PHYSIOGRAPHY
1. What do you understand by Deccan Trap? Describe its characteristics.  (95/20)
2. Why do the Western Ghats receive more rainfall than the Eastern Ghats? (95/3)
3. Mention the advantages which India enjoys being at the head of the Indian Ocean.
                                                                                                                               (96/15)
4. What are the geo-economic causes of underdevelopment of various regions in India?    
                                                                                                                                (98/15)
5. How do the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep differ in the geological
evolution and topographical conditions? (98/15)
6. How is deforestation of Himalayas disturbing the ecological balance of north India ? (99/15)
7. What is the importance of Indian Ocean for India? (99/15)
8. Write note on Linguistic regions of India. (00/10)
9. Had there been no Himalayas, what would have been the winter climate in north India?          
                                                                                                                               (01/10)
10. Write short note on Glacier.  (01/2)
11. Write short note on Equinox.  (01/2)
12. Write short note on Define Terai Region. (03/2)
13. Why are the Aravallis called a divide between Mewar and Marwar ?  (04/10)
14. Write short note on Karewas.  (05/2)
15. Write short note on New Moore Island.    (06/2)
16. Explain how the Himalayan and the Tibetan highlands play an important role in thedevelopment of the South - West monsoon.  (07/10)
17. Write notes on Indira Point.    (07/2)
18. Write notes on Causes of Chambal Ravines.   (07/2)
19 . Write about Terai Region.      (08/2)
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
1. Why have the rivers of the peninsular India well-defined rigid channels in sharp contrast to
the Himalayan rivers?  (95/20)
2. Write short note on “Two prominent left bank tributaries of river Ganges”. (01/2)
3. Describe the major characteristics of the rivers of Peninsular India.  (03/10)
Vision IAS
www.visionias.cfsites.org
www.visionias.wordpress.com
GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) – Questions Pattern & Trends Analysis  2
4. Elucidate the factors contributing to the growing need for water harvesting in India, both rural
and urban.  (05/10)
5. Write note on Significance of Lake Chilka. (05/2)
6. Why do the rivers of west coast not form a delta ? (06/10)
7. Write note on Hussain Sagar.  (06/2)
8. Write about Buckingham Canal.  (08/2)
CLIMATE
1.    What is ‘intensity of rainfall’? Discuss its importance to Indian farmers. (95/15)
2. Discuss the origin of Monsoon in India.  (97/15)
3. Mention the agro-climatic regions of India stating the basis of classification. (00/10)
4. Write short note on Mango Showers.                                                             (00/2)
5. Explain the causes of the Indian Monsoon. (01/10)
6. Discuss the distribution of winds and rainfall over India in the summer monsoon season.  
                                                                                                                               (02/10)
7. Write note on winter rains in India.  (06//2)
8. The winter rains in North India are largely related to Jet Streams and Western Disturbances.
Bring out the relationship.   (08/15)
9. Write about Nor’westers .         (08/2)
NATURAL VEGETATION
1.    Where do mangrove forests occur in India? Describe their main characteristics.
                                                                                                                              (96/15)
2. Why has there been opposition from the North-Eastern States to the Supreme Court ban on
all activities inside forests ?  (97/10)
3. Which parts of India have been identified as draught-prone? Mention the norms for such
identification.  (98/15)
4. What is waste land ? Write a note on prospects of waste land development in India.
                                                                                                                               (00/10)
5. What are mangroves and in what way are they useful to us ? (00/10)
6. Mention the area of Shola forests in India.                                                     (03/2)
7. Write short note on the following:
 (a)   The Sambhar lake
 (b)  The Sundarbans
 (c)   Bombay High
 (d)  Sabarkantha & Banaskantha   (04/2) 3
SOIL
1. Write short note on India’s Literate soils.  (00/2)
2. Write short note on Regurs.  (05/2)
3. Write note on Causes of Soil erosion and its control in India. (05/10)
4. Write notes on Inceptisol.        (07/2)
AGRICULTURE
1. What is shifting cultivation? Describe its salient characteristics with reference to India?  
                                                                                                                                 (96/15)
2. What is dry farming? Discuss its relevance in augmenting the food supply in India.
                                                                                                                                 (99/15)
3. Give an account of the tea plantations of Assam and West Bengal and state the economic
significance of these plantations.  (02/10)
4. Write short notes on Jhum cultivation - process and consequences. (02//2)
5. Write note on negative impacts of shifting cultivation. (05/2)
6. Agricultural Productivity in India remain low. Explain the reasons for this situation.
                                 (08/15)
7. Write about Organic Farming.   (08/2)
INDUSTRY
1. Name the industry which is located at each of the following places:
 (i) Bongaigaon      (ii)   Alwaye     (iii)   Kapurthala (95/3)
2. Describe the changes that have taken place in the direction of international trade of India
since Independence,  (98/15)
3.  Write note on : Khetri Copper Project.   (02/2)
4. Account for the very high concentration of salt  extraction industries in the Saurashtra and
South Tamilnadu Coast  (03/10)
5. Examine the distribution of oil refineries in India. (04/10)
6. Write note on Mixed economy.  (06/2)
7. Write notes on Special Economic Zone (SET) (07/2)
8. Bring out the pros and cons of Special Economic Zones. (08/15)
TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION
1. What is MRTS ? Where it is in operation? (03/2)
2. What is Golden Quadrilateral? How will it help in the economic development of the country?
                                                                                                                   (04/10)
3. Technological changes have brought in a major shift in the use of roads as transport
corridors in India. How far do you agree with this view ? (07/10) 4
ENERGY RESOURSE
1. Mention some of the new programmes that have been undertaken in recent years in respect
of nuclear research in India.  (92/15)
2. Name of main petroleum producing areas in India.  (02/2)
3. Write short note on Bombay High.  (04/2)
4. What are the resource bases available for the economic development of the newly created
states of Jharkhand and Uttaranchal?  (05/10)
5. Bring out the prospects of development of alternative energy sources of India.(06/10)
WATER RESOURSE
1. What is drip irrigation? Why is it considered the most efficient method of irrigation?
                                                                                                                                  (95/20)
2. Why has the Narmada River Valley Project attracted the attention of the common people?              
                                                                                                                                  (97/20)
3. What do you know about Narmada Sagar Dam ?  (98/2)
4. Write note on Nagarjunasagar Project.                                                            (00/2)
5. What do you know about Hirakud Project. (06/2)
6. Write note on National Water Grid.                                                                   (06/2)
 
POPULATION / HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
1. What measures has the Government of India taken for the development of Tribal areas in
India?   (97/15)
2.   Examine the fall out of population explosion in India at the close of twentieth century.
                                                                                                                                                       
3. Name the mega cities of India and mention their specific problems. (99/15)
4.  Explain the major racial groups of India.  (00/10)
5.    Write short note on Census definition of urban places. (02/2)
6. State the four distinctive stages of Indian Demographic history. (03/10)
7. Write short notes on the following:
(i)   Who are Todas and where do they live ?
(ii)   Name any four principal languages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, (03/2)
8. Write notes on Jarawas.           (07/2)
9. Write about Demographic Dividend.  (08/2) 5
PLANNING / REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT / SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
1. Why is there a demand for making Uttarakhand a separate Hill State in India?(97/15)
2. Write short note on Multi-level planning in India.                                                 (00/2)  
3. Define the concept of ‘growth centers’ and evaluate its relevance in regional planning in
India.                                                                                                                    (02/10)  
4. “Political boundaries and regional boundaries need to be co-terminus.” Do you agree?
                                                                                                                                     (05/10)
5. Explain the nature and causes of growing slum problems in the metropolitan cities of India.
                                                                                                                              (07/10)
NATURAL HAZARD & DISASTER / ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
1. What is ozone hole? How is it formed and what effect does it have on the earth?(96/15)
2. Write short note on El Nino.                                                                                     (01/2)
3. Write short note on Kaziranga National Park.                                                           (02/2)
4. Write short note on El Nino, La Nina and monsoon rains.                                        (04/2)
5. Write note on Causes of droughts in India.                                                               (05/2)
6. Blue Revolution has definite advantages in India but it is not free from environmental
        impacts. Discuss.                                                                                                     (06/10)  

GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) – Questions Pattern & Trends Analysis


SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY  
SPACE
1. What is PSLV? Describe its significance for India’s space programme.        (95/20)
2. What are VSATs ? What are they used for ?        (95/3)
3. Describe how India’s space programme has helped in its socio-economic development.
                                                                                                                                (96/40)
4. Why does a lunar eclipse occur only on a full moon? (96//3)
5. Why is Agni Project important for India ?    (97/40)
6.    What is the difference between a comet and a meteor? (97/3)
7. What is remote sensing? What are its uses especially in the Indian context? (98/40)
8. What new type of satellite is proposed to be inducted for bolstering surveillance on India’s
border? How does this type of satellite compare with existing IRS satellites?(99/10)
9. Answer the following:-
 (a)   What is ‘Swatch of no ground’?
 (b) From where was the most advanced commercial satellite of India INSAT- 2E launched?
 (c) What is Global Positioning System (G. P. S.) ? (99/3)
10. What do the GMRT stand for ?                                                                        (99/1)
11. Where is Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre located?                                         (99/1)
12. What is the significance of the geostationary orbit? What would happen if it becomes too
crowded ?  (00/30)
13. Discuss the significance of GSLV in space research. (01/30)
14. Determine the utility of Direct to Home in broadcasting system.                   (01/10)
15. What does the solar system consist of? Discuss  the motion of the entire solar system as a
whole and also the motion of most of the bodies forming the solar system.  (03/15)
16. In which year and by which countries was Interventional Space Station (ISS) launched? How
many countries are participating in this program? What are the unique studies being made in
the station which could not be made so accurately on the earth?   (03/15)
17. Detail the salient features of project ‘Anthareeksha.’  (05/15)
18. What do you know about Indian National Satellite Systems? Describe its important features.  
                                                                                                                  (08/30)
Vision IAS
www.visionias.cfsites.org
www.visionias.wordpress.com
GENERAL STUDIES (MAINS) – Questions Pattern & Trends Analysis  2
DEFENCE
1. What was the controversy about ‘Prithvi’ ?                                                    (97/2)
2. Why is Agni Project important for India ?     (97/40)
3. How does the development of Pinaka benefit India?  (98/20)
4. What do the ICMR stand for?                                                                         (98/1)
5. What is a cryogenic engine? Discuss its significance in India’s space programme.
                                                                                                                               (01/30)
6. What is Stealth Technology?  (07/10)
7. Discuss the missile technology initiatives undertaken by India.  (07/15)
8. Write about India’s L.C.A. (Tejas).  (08/2)
BIOTECHNOLOGY
1. What are transgenic organisms? What are they used for? (96/20)
2. What is tissue culture?  (97/3)
3. What is genetic engineering? Why is it getting increasingly important these days?      
                                                                                                                               (98/40)
4. Why are transgenic organisms important? (98/3)
5. What is the Human Genome Project? Discuss briefly its importance. (99/20)
6. What are biosensors? Describe their uses. (99/20)
7. Where is Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology located? (99/l)
8. How do identical twins differ from each other genetically? (99/3)
9. Discuss Human Genome.  (00/10)
10. How are transgenic plants different from hybrid plants and what is their relevance
        in modern agriculture? Elaborate.  (00/15)
11. What are stem cells? Why have they been in the news recently? Discuss. (01/30)
12. “Biotechnology boom may pave a golden path for India.” Discuss. (02/30)
13.   What is Human Cloning? Is it dangerous or beneficial? Discuss. (02/15)
14. Discuss the elements of ‘frozen semen technology’. What are ‘embryo transfer’
       ‘Transgenic animals’, ‘DNA recombinant technique’? (03//15)
15. What is Biotechnology? Discuss the important applications of Biotechnology.(04/15)
16. What is the therapeutic cloning? Describe briefly the method and its potential
       applications.                                                                                                   (0515)
17. Write a note on ‘Bio-refinery versus Fossil fuels’. (06/15)
18. What are normal osmosis and reverse osmosis? Why has reverse osmosis
        become popular in India today ?  (06/15)
19. Short note on Genome.                                                                                  (07/2)
20. Explain the objectives and the current achievements of human genome project. (07/15)
21. In what way ‘Medical Biotechnology’ and ‘Bioengineering’ are useful
        for technological development of India?  (08/30) 3
NUCLEAR ENERGY / ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
1. What is nuclear medicine? Describe briefly its different uses. (96/20)
2. How has India’s Nuclear Programme contributed to the economic and defense
        requirements of the country?   (97/40)
3. What is a fast breeder reactor? Comment on its suitability in the Indian context. (99/40)
4. What is carbon dating? Describe its applications in archaeology. (99/20)
5. What do the INMAS stand for?         (99/1)
6. Where is Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research located? (99/1)
7. Write about Radiation & its effects.  (03/2)
8. Discuss in detail “Alternative Energy Sources”.  (04/30)
9. Why is hydrogen being acclaimed as the fuel of the future?  (05/15)
10. What are the alternative fuels available for the transport sector? Discuss
        their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in their utilization.  (07/15)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
1. What is virtual reality? What is it used for? (96/20)
2. What do the following stand for?   (97/3)
 (i) TIFR                     (ii) DRDO                   (iii) NEERI  
3. What are optical fibers? What are their advantages? (98/20)
4. State the importance of Antrix Corporation. (98/3)
5. What do the following stand for:  (98/3)
 (i)   C-DAC                  (ii)   ICMR                     (iii) TRAI  
6. Give the functions of interferons.  (98/3)
7. What is the difference between E-mail and Fax ?  (98/3)
8. What are the major provisions of the New Telecom Policy approved by the Government? What
has been the decision of the Delhi High Court in this respect ? (99/10)
9. What is fibre optics? What advantages does it offer in telecommunications?
        Elaborate.  (01/15)
10. Write about E-commerce.   (01/2)
11. Discuss in detail “The Internet Telephony as an alternative”. (02/30)
12. What is interactive television? What special advantages are derived by using VOD services?
What are the components of a typical VOD system? Which feature film was generated first
entirely on computers and in which year?  (03/30)
13. Discuss the utility of e-governance in the Indian context. (04/10)
14. Write note on Use of Information Technology in health management in India. (05/10)
15. What is digital convergence? Examine its implications for modern society.   (05/30)
16. Write short notes on PACE.  (07/2)
17. Explain : Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)   (08/15)
18. Explain : Wifi   (08/15)
19. Write brief note on TIFAC.                                                                              (08/2) 4
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES / SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
1. What is ‘greenhouse effect’? What are its adverse effects on the Earth’s environment?
       What steps are being taken to check the same?   (95/40)
2. What is lead-free petrol? What are its merits and demerits ? (95/20)
3. What is El Nino ? What is its relevance to India ? (95/3)
4. What is ozone hole? How is it caused and what are its implications for life on Earth?  
                                                                                                                                (99/20)
5. What is CNG? How can it reduce air pollution? (99/3)
6. What are greenhouse gases? What impact do they have on the Earth’s climate
        and with what consequences? Elaborate. (0015)
7. What does the Montreal Protocol deal with? Discuss its role in protecting Earth’s environment.
                                                                                                                               (01/15)
8. Plastic hazards - Discuss.  (02/30)
9. Discuss about ‘Environment’, its components and its awareness. (02/15)
10. What do you understand by depletion of ozone layer and why is it considered harmful? Name
ozone depleting substances and processes. What international ramifications took place to
protect the ozone layer and what was the target agreed upon?  (03/30)
11. “Global Warming”, Discuss.  (04/30)
12. Describe the sources of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations and their effects
        on the biotic components of the atmosphere.. (05/30)
13. Why do environmentalists regard asbestos and polythene as pollutants?  (05/15)
14. Justify with necessary logic “Biological clean-up methods can be cheaper
        than the conventional physical and chemical pollution treatments”.  (06/30)
15. Differentiate between Natural and Cultural heritage. (07/30)
16. Write about: The UN conference on Environment and Development (The Earth Summit)  
                                                                                                                                (07/15)
17.  Answer any one of the following questions:  (07/30)
 (a)   Explain the phenomenon of ozone depletion, its causes and effects. What effects are
               Needed to reduce it?
(b) What do you understand by the term ‘biodiversity’? Examine the causes and consequences
of degeneration of biodiversity.
HEALTH
1. What is AIDS?  Describe its salient features.  (95/40)
2. What is ELISA?  What is it used for ?  (95/3)
3. What is pacemaker? How does it work ? (95/2)
4. What is bioremediation?  (95/2)
5. What is HIV? What does it cause?     (96/3)
6. What is Polio? Name its few features and how it can be prevented. (97/20)
7. Why is the HIV considered so dangerous? Why has the spread of the virus proved so difficult
to contain, especially in the poorer countries of the world ? (00/30)
8. Write about Anthrax.  (03/2)
9. Write brief note on Aspartame.  (08/2)
10. Write brief note on Gene doping.  (08/2) 5
LASER / SUPERCONDUCTIVITY / NATOTECHNOLOGY / ROBOTICS
1. What is ‘Superconductivity’? Give its uses and applications. (04/15)
2. Describe the importance of “Laser” in war and peace. (04/15)
3. Explain how Nanoscience and Nanotechnology have revolutionized modern
       Technology.  (06/30)
4. Explain: Components of Robots.  (08/15)
AGRICULTURE
1. Discuss the role of modern technological inputs on agricultural development in India.
        How would it be helpful for food security during 21st century?  (99/40)
2. What is water harvesting? Describe its relevance in the Indian context. (00/15)
3. What is vermi composing? Discuss its importance in the Indian context. (0115)
4. Write short note on genetically modified seeds.                                             (05/2)
5. Write brief note on Sappan.                                                                            (08//2)
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
1.   What are Intellectual Property Rights? Why are Indian scientists concerned?
      about the new patent regimes?     (96/40)
2. What are the fundamental constants and their use in the measurement system?(02/15)
3. Write brief note on Copyright and Trade-mark. (08/2)
COMPUTER
1.  What do the following stand for ?
 (i) IREDA             (ii) APPLE              (iii) INMAS                                        ( 97 / 3 )  
2. What is E-mail ?      (98/20)
3. Describe the development of Super-computer in India. (98/20)
4. What is a modem? What is it used for?                                                          (99/3)
5. What is a computer virus? How does it infect systems?                                 (99/2)
6.  Answer the following about 20 words each:
 (a) What does the ‘clock speed’ of a computer signify?
 (b) What do the following stand for?
 (i)   http       (ii) CPU       (iii) ROM       (iv) BIOS
 (c) What is a modem and what is it used for?
 (d) What is spamming?
 (e) How does a computer virus destroy data  ?  (00/2) 6
7.  Answer the following in about 20 words each :
 (a)   What is “handshake” in computer language?
 (b)   What is “ethernet” and what is it used for?
 (c)   What is “digital signature” and what is it used for ?
 (d)  What do the following stand, for?
  (i)   DRAM                   (ii) JPEG                      (iii)  ASCII            (iv)  IMAP      
 (e)  What is a WAP-enabled phone ?  (01/2)
8.  Answer the following in about 20 words each:
 (a)   What is a digital camera ?
 (b)  What is firewall in Computer Language?
 (c)   What is multimedia?
 (d)  What do the following stand for ?
  (i)    HTML              (ii)    FTP                        (iii)   MELOPS                (iv)   PLANIT
 (e) What is Piracy ?   (02/2)
9.  Answer the following (in about 20 words each) :
 (a) What- is ‘Sympathetic Haptics’ ?
 (b) What are special features of’Linux’?
 (c) What is an operating system ? List the basic services provided by an operating system.
 (d)  What is an ‘Internet Worm’? Explain DDoS,
 (e)  What do the following stand for ?                                                               (03/2)
 (i)   EPROM            (ii)   POSIX              (iii) MODEM                     (iv)   COBOL      
 
10.  Answer the following (in about 20 words each) :
 (a)   What do you understand by E-governance?
 (b)  What is a URL ?
 (c)   What do the following stand for?
 (i)   CD-ROM              (ii)    USB               (iii)  ITES                       (iv)   FORTRAN          
 (d)  What do you understand by MP3 ?
 (e)  What are cyber crimes ? How are these protected ? (04/2)
11. Write about the following: Bluetooth.      (05//2)
12. Answer the following (in about 20 words each):
 (a) What is an exabyte?
 (b) What is VIRUS?
 (c) What do the following stand for?
 (i)  XML                       (ii)   MASER         (iii) SECAM                    (iv) TIPS
 (d)  What is avatar?
 (e)  What is Wikipedia ?  (05/2) 7
13. What do you understand by optical computing? Why is optical computing envisaged to have
much better performance than that of electronic computing?                          (06/15)
14.  Answer all the five (in about 20 words each) :
 (a) What do you understand by a ‘search engine’ in computing?
 (b) Expand the following:
 (i) CAD                       (ii)   CAM             (iii) CIM            
 (c) Explain what is Thin Film Memory in computers.
 (d)  Write a short note on ‘Artificial Intelligence’.
 (e)  Who are called ‘Hackers’ in computer world? (06/2)
15. Answer all the five (in about 20 words each) :
 (a) What is firewall ?
 (b) What is malware ?
 (c) What do the following stand for ?
 (i)    MPEG                  (ii)    ISP                  (iii)   HTML                 (iv)   ASCII
 (d)  What is Root kit ?
 (e)  What is computer architecture ?  (07/10)