General Studies (Mains) – Science & Technology

Computer

1.       What do the following stand for? ( 1997 / 3 )

(i)           IREDA

(ii)         APPLE

(iii)       INMAS 2. What is E-mail? (98/20)

2.       Describe the development of Super-computer in India. (1998/20)

3.       What is a modem? What is it used for? (1999/3)

General Studies (Mains) – Science & Technology

Laser / Superconductivity / Natotechnology / Robotics

1.       What is ‘Superconductivity’? Give its uses and applications. (2004/15)

2.       Describe the importance of “Laser” in war and peace. (2004/15)

3.       Explain how Nanoscience and Nanotechnology have revolutionized modern

a.       Technology. (2006/30)

4.       Explain: Components of Robots. (2008/15)

General Studies (Mains) – Science & Technology

Environmental Issues / Sustainable Development

1.       What is ‘greenhouse effect’? What are its adverse effects on the Earth’s environment?

2.       What steps are being taken to check the same? (1995/40)

3.       What is lead-free petrol? What are its merits and demerits? (1995/20)

4.       What is El Nino? What is its relevance to India? (1995/3)

General Studies (Mains) – Science & Technology

Nuclear Energy / Alternative Energy

1.       What is nuclear medicine? Describe briefly its different uses. (1996/20)

2.       How has India’s Nuclear Programme contributed to the economic and defense requirements of the country? (1997/40)

3.       What is a fast breeder reactor? Comment on its suitability in the Indian context. (1999/40)

4.       What is carbon dating? Describe its applications in archaeology. (1999/20)

General Studies (Mains) – Science & Technology

Defence

1.       What was the controversy about ‘Prithvi’? (1997/2)

2.       Why is Agni Project important for India? (1997/40)

3.       How does the development of Pinaka benefit India? (1998/20)

4.       What do the ICMR stand for? (1998/1)

5.       What is a cryogenic engine? Discuss its significance in India’s space programme. (2001/30)

General Studies (Mains) – Science & Technology

General Studies (Mains) – Science & Technology

Space

1.       What is PSLV? Describe its significance for India’s space programme. (1995/20)

2.       What are VSATs? What are they used for? (1995/3)

3.       Describe how India’s space programme has helped in its socio-economic development. (1996/40)

4.       Why does a lunar eclipse occur only on a full moon? (1996//3)

Public Programmes Poverty Alleviation / Employment / Rural Development / Environment & Sustainable Development

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? ( 1996/20)

2.       What is a Lorentz curve? (1996/2)

3.       What measures has the government taken to make women economically independent self reliant during the last decade? (1997/20)

External Sector Balance of payments / Foreign Trade / Foreign Exchange / WTO negotiations and India / Liberalisation & Globalisation

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. (2000/15)

2.       Liberalisation of the Indian economy since 1991 has led to excessive consumerism and over-production of ‘white goods’. Elucidate. (2001/15)

Financial Intermediation and Money and Capital Market

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? (2001/15)

2.       Expand the term “NASDAQ”. (2001/2)

3.       Distinguish between a “hard” currency and a “soft” currency. (2001/2)

Fiscal Development and Public Finance Tax Structure, Reforms and changes / Budget

Fiscal Development and Public Finance

Tax Structure, Reforms and changes / Budget

1.             Write a note on MODVAT Scheme of 1986. (2000/2)

2.             What do you mean by revenue deficit in the Central Government’s Budget? (2000/2)

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. (2001/15)

Planning - Five Year Plans / Rural and Urban Development / Poverty / Unemployment / Population

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. (2000/30)

2.             Discuss the economic effects of Black money (Parallel economy) in Indian economy. (2000/15)

3.             What are the main objectives of the 9th Five-Year Plan of the Government of India? (2000/2)

4.             What has been the impact of the recent economic reforms programme on the incidence of poverty in India? (2000/2)

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? (2000/30)

2.             What do you mean by ‘Parallel Economy’? (2000/3)

3.             What are the objectives of New Economic Policy of the Government of India? (2000/3)