UPSC Mains question bank

GS2 · Social Justice · 15 marks

. Recently Lok Sabha passed the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016. Discuss the need, provisions and concerns with regard to the bill (250 words).

GS2 · Social Justice · 15 marks

. Despite several provisions in the Indian constitution and laws prohibiting the practice of manual scavenging, the dehumanizing practice still persists across the country. Examine the causes and suggest steps needed to overcome problem of manual scavenging.

GS2 · Social Justice · 15 marks

. Even though child mortality in India has reduced significantly, the numbers are still the highest in the world. Discuss the reason behind the persistence in high rate of child mortality in the country and highlight the steps taken by the government in this regard.

GS2 · Social Justice · 15 marks

In light of the ostracisation faced by Denotified and Nomadic Tribes, discuss the steps that need to be taken to provide them access to political-social-economic welfare.

GS2 · Social Justice · 15 marks

: A third of the world's stunted children under five live in India. In light of the above statement, discuss the existing national framework to improve nutrition in India and its shortcomings in meeting its objective.

GS2 · Social Justice · 10 marks

: Publicly naming and shaming might be a flawed process but it is the only option available for any hope of justice for many victims of sexual harassment. Critically examine.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

Discuss the concept of 'Nature-based Solutions' (NbS) in the context of urban planning. How can integrating green infrastructure help mitigate the 'Urban Heat Island' effect in Indian metropolitan cities?

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

Assess the impact of imbalanced and excessive chemical fertiliser usage on India's agricultural sustainability. How can the integration of bio-fertilisers and organic farming practices mitigate these long-term ecological risks?

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

With growing recognition of ecosystem services in economic and policy discourse, examine how biodiversity conservation must move beyond protected-area approaches toward landscape-level and community-centric strategies. ( 250 words ).

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

Discuss how India’s energy transition reflects a ‘development–climate trade-off’ and evaluate policy options to ensure decarbonisation without compromising affordability and energy access. (250 words).

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

In the context of growing environmental awareness and activism, analyse how public participation and decentralised governance influence environmental outcomes. (250 words).

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

With the growing recognition that effective climate mitigation requires both technological innovation and ecological resilience, discuss how nature-based solutions can complement technological interventions, particularly in the context of ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation. (250 words).

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

“In the context of India’s development priorities, examine the challenge of balancing climate action with ecological sustainability.”

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

Environmental degradation in India is closely linked with issues of livelihoods, health, and social equity.Examine the role of environmental protection measures in promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

COP-30 has been projected as a critical milestone for accelerating global climate action after the first Global Stocktake. Examine the significance of COP-30 in the context of strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and bridging the ambition gap.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

“Ecosystem services are undervalued in economic policymaking, undermining both development and sustainability.” Assess India’s efforts to integrate ecosystem valuation into decision-making.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

COP30 reflects both the potential and the limits of multilateral climate cooperation. Discuss the key strengths and structural weaknesses of the present global climate governance.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 10 marks

Critically examine India’s evolving forest conservation strategy and suggest measures to strengthen it in the context of ecological and developmental challenges.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 10 marks

“Cloud seeding offers temporary respite from smog but cannot substitute long-term emission control.” Critically examine the viability of cloud seeding as a tool in India’s air pollution mitigation strategy.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 10 marks

While mining drives economic growth and industrial development, it simultaneously threatens ecological balance. Examine how mining activities contribute to environmental degradation and suggest sustainable strategies to minimise their adverse impacts.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is often described as a "bridge technology" in the global transition to net-zero. Examine its potential and challenges in the Indian context.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 10 marks

How far can carbon farming and regenerative agriculture provide India with both climate resilience and export competitiveness? Discuss.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

Climate justice and carbon markets have gained prominence in international negotiations. Critically evaluate India’s position on these concepts and their relevance for equitable sustainable development.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 10 marks

"A river’s purity is the first casualty of unchecked progress."Discuss the challenges in implementing effective wastewater treatment to curb river pollution in India.

GS3 · Bio-diversity & Environment · 15 marks

“India’s renewable energy transition is necessary, but not yet sufficient.” Analyse the environmental and socio-economic trade-offs in large-scale solar and wind energy projects.