Mains Questions and Answers | SPM IAS Academy

Q. Name the major earthquake prone areas of the world and give details of the Circum-Pacific Belt.

September 11, 2024

Earthquakes are most likely to occur in regions where tectonic plates interact. These areas are characterized by fault lines, volcanic activity, and significant seismic events.

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Q. Define Biosphere and discuss the extent and importance of biosphere on earth’s environment.

September 12, 2024

The biosphere is the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, including their interaction with the elements of the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere

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Q. Give an idea of the distribution and ecological characteristics of the tropical rainforests and explain the causes of its rapid degradation.

September 12, 2024

Tropical rainforests are among the Earth’s most diverse and vital ecosystems, characterized by high rainfall, dense vegetation, and rich biodiversity. These forests are found near

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Q. Discuss how India would achieve self-reliance as well as national development in the context of the globalized world.

September 12, 2024

India’s pursuit of self-reliance and national development in the context of a globalized world requires a multifaceted approach that balances internal capacities with strategic global

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Q. Physical geography has a close relationship with Asia’s population distribution. Discuss some examples where such a relation does not hold good.

September 13, 2024

Physical geography generally plays a significant role in shaping the population distribution across Asia, as factors like climate, topography, and water availability often dictate where

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Q. Critically evaluate the depiction of partition horror of India in 1947 in any contemporary Indian novel.

September 13, 2024

The horror of the 1947 Partition of India, one of the most traumatic events in the subcontinent’s history, has been depicted in various contemporary Indian

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Q. Evaluate the contribution of Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia towards film-making in Assam.

September 13, 2024

Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia was a luminary in Assamese cinema and one of the most influential filmmakers in the region. His contributions to filmmaking in

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Q. With the dangers of a global climate change becoming a reality, it is now time to replace the discourse of economic growth with that of conservation of nature. Do you agree ? Give reasons for your answer.

September 13, 2024

As global climate change intensifies, it is imperative to shift the focus from relentless economic growth to the conservation of nature. Mahatma Gandhi once said,

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Q. Elements of dissent and protest were inherent in the preaching of various bhakti saints in medieval India. Discuss with examples.

September 13, 2024

The Bhakti movement in medieval India was a significant socio-religious reform movement that arose as a protest against the prevailing orthodoxy, social inequalities, and ritualistic

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Q. Is there a difference between urban poor women and their rural counterparts?

September 13, 2024

Urban and rural poor women in India face distinct challenges shaped by varying socio-economic conditions and access to resources. These differences in livelihood, education, health,

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Q. Discuss the major factors contributing towards the selection of location for a manufacturing industry and explain with examples the role of market in this regard.

September 14, 2024

The selection of a location for a manufacturing industry is influenced by several critical factors, each contributing to operational efficiency, cost minimization, and market access.

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Q. What are the challenges to urbanization in North-East India? Do you think the idea of satellite township can address these challenges? Justify your answer.

September 14, 2024

Urbanization in North-East India faces unique challenges due to the region’s distinct geographical, socio-cultural, and economic characteristics. While the concept of satellite townships such as

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Q. “North East India is well-equipped to deal with the consequences of a mega earthquake.” Analyze the statement with special reference to Assam.

September 14, 2024

North-East India, particularly Assam, lies in a seismically active zone, classified as Zone V, which indicates a very high risk of earthquakes. The high magnitude

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Q. What are the two broad categories of socio-religious reform movements in colonial India? How far the western impact contributed to the growth and development of the socio-religious reform movements?

September 16, 2024

The socio-religious reform movements in colonial India emerged as responses to the complex challenges posed by British colonial rule, the introduction of Western education, and

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Q. Although India has achieved substantial economic growth in recent times, its biggest challenge today is to bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor.” Analyze this statement and suggest measures to address this issue.

September 16, 2024

India’s economic growth over the past few decades has been remarkable, transforming the country into one of the world’s largest economies. However, this growth has

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Q. What do you mean by feminization of poverty? What steps have been taken in recent times to address this issue?

September 16, 2024

The feminization of poverty is a significant global issue, with women constituting a disproportionate share of the world’s poor. In India, this trend is evident,

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Q. What do you mean by soil ecosystem? What are its components? Describe the functions of soil ecosystem.

September 16, 2024

The soil ecosystem refers to the dynamic, complex community of organisms and their physical environment within the soil. It includes a vast array of living

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Q. Indian classical music has played a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening national integrity. Critically analyze with suitable examples.

September 17, 2024

Indian classical music, a profound symbol of the country’s cultural heritage, has been instrumental in preserving ancient traditions and fostering unity amidst diversity. As Pandit

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Q. Evaluate the major policies of the government of independent India relating to integration of the tribals in the process of consolidation of India as a nation.

September 17, 2024

The integration of tribal communities in post-independence India has been crucial for nation-building. The government has implemented a range of policies to protect tribal rights,

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Q. Evaluate the religious and historical importance of the Puranas in India.

September 17, 2024

The Puranas are a genre of ancient Indian literature that hold significant religious, cultural, and historical importance in India. They serve as a bridge between

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Q.1. Describe how Lakhpati Didi scheme aligns with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and socio-economic empowerment of women.

October 2, 2024

The Lakhpati Didi scheme is a key initiative under India’s broader mission of poverty alleviation and women’s socio-economic empowerment, launched as part of the Deendayal

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Q.2. “The social value of COVID-19 vaccine exceeds its market value”. Critically analyze the statement.

October 2, 2024

The given statement  emphasizes that the broader societal impact of vaccines—such as saving lives, preventing healthcare collapses, and enabling economic recovery—surpasses the purely financial returns

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Q.3. “India’s participation in the global agreements on human rights reflects its commitment to promoting a just and equitable world order.” Discuss this statement with reference to India’s involvement in international agreements and bodies. Evaluate India’s approach to human rights issues at a global level.

October 2, 2024

: India’s participation in global agreements on human rights stems from its historical commitment to justice, equality, and dignity, principles enshrined in its Constitution and

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Q.4. “The Indian Diaspora acts as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange, but its potential remains largely untapped”. Explore the emerging trends and innovative approaches in leveraging the Indian diaspora for enhancing India’s economic competitiveness and global influence.

October 2, 2024

The Indian diaspora, one of the largest in the world, with over 32 million people residing across nearly 200 countries, acts as a significant catalyst

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Q.5. Discuss the significant differences between colonial civil service and the civil service of independent India. Analyze the role of civil servants as the agents of change in contemporary India.

October 3, 2024

The Indian civil service, often referred to as the “Steel Frame of India,” has undergone significant transformation from the colonial era to post-independence India. While

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Q.6. What is Bhutan’s plan for regional economic hub at Gelephu? In what manner is Assam going to be benefitted by this hub ?

October 3, 2024

Gelephu, a key town in southern Bhutan near the Assam border, is being developed as a regional economic hub with the aim of boosting trade,

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Q.7. Can state funding of elections bring in transparency in the poll process? How do the other democracies handle this issue?

October 3, 2024

State funding of elections involves the government providing financial support to political parties or candidates to reduce reliance on private donations. This can potentially promote

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Q.8. Do you think fencing of the India-Myanmar border is an effective step to check terrorist activities and drugs trafficking? Justify your answer in the light of the Centre’s decision to fence the porous India-Myanmar border.

October 3, 2024

The India-Myanmar border, spanning over 1,643 km, is largely porous, with rugged terrain and dense forests, making it susceptible to cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking, and

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Q.9. “Constitutional bodies in India need to fulfill the role of the watchdog of democracy while keeping themselves out of executive interference.” Discuss this statement while critically evaluating the functioning of the Comptroller and Auditor General(CAG) of India.

October 4, 2024

Constitutional bodies in India, such as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), play a critical role in safeguarding democracy by ensuring accountability, transparency, and the

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Q.10. “Bureaucracy is not an obstacle to democracy, but an inevitable complement to it.” Evaluate this statement in the light of criticisms suggesting that bureaucracy fails to facilitate change.

October 4, 2024

The given statement highlights the crucial role that bureaucracy plays in the functioning of a democratic system. While democracy relies on elected representatives, the bureaucracy—established

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Q.11. “The recently passed ‘Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023’ seeks to balance the case of forest conservation with the requirement of strategic infrastructure development.” Discuss the possible impact of such interventions in the States of North-East India.

October 4, 2024

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 seeks to strike a balance between forest conservation and the strategic infrastructure needs of the country, especially in sensitive

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Q.12. “The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to fundamentally transform the ways in which governance is done in India.” Discuss the challenges to be faced in this regard.

October 4, 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to fundamentally transform governance in India by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and decision-making in public services. The use of AI

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Q.13. Examine the impact of developed countries’ immigration policies on India’s skilled workforce and diaspora communities. Analyze how visa regulations and skilled immigration programs in countries like the United States and Canada affect India’s brain drain and diaspora engagement.

October 5, 2024

The immigration policies of developed countries have a profound impact on India’s skilled workforce and diaspora communities. Countries like the United States and Canada are

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Q.14. “In an era of shifting geo-political alliances, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, the influence of developed and developing countries’ policies on India’s strategic interest demands nuanced examination.” Analyze the multi-faceted impact of evolving foreign policies and political dynamics of major powers on India’s national security and regional stability. Provide recent examples and propose innovative diplomatic strategies to safeguard India’s interest amidst global uncertainties.

October 5, 2024

In the post-COVID-19 world, shifting geopolitical alliances and evolving foreign policies of both developed and developing countries have had significant implications for India’s national security

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Q.15. “Good governance is considered a key to achieving sustainable development and human well-being.” Evaluate this assertion with reference to initiatives undertaken by the Government of India

October 5, 2024

Good governance is essential for fostering sustainable development and enhancing human well-being, as it ensures transparency, accountability, participation, and rule of law in public administration.

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Q.16. What is Quadrilateral Security Dialogue(QUAD)? Elucidate the opportunities of India under QUAD arrangement.

October 5, 2024

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is a strategic partnership between India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, aimed at promoting peace, security, and stability in

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Q.17. “To paraphrase Mark Twain, if you don’t watch news, you will be uniformed, if you do, you will be misinformed.” In the context of this statement, assess the role of Indian media as the fourth pillar of democracy.

October 8, 2024

The statement attributed to Mark Twain, “If you don’t watch the news, you are uninformed; if you do, you are misinformed,” reflects the paradoxical role

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Q.18. Describe the salient features of Flag Code of India, 2002.

October 9, 2024

The Flag Code of India, 2002, is a comprehensive set of guidelines that govern the display, usage, and respect for the Indian National Flag. It

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Q.19. “Right to dissent is the lifeline of democracy.” Explain.

October 9, 2024

The right to dissent is fundamental to a vibrant democracy, as it allows citizens to express disagreement with government policies, actions, or decisions. In a

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Q.20. What is ‘Mission Karmayogi’? Analyze its effectiveness in bringing civil service reforms through a capacity-building approach.

October 9, 2024

Mission Karmayogi, launched in 2020, is an ambitious initiative by the Government of India aimed at transforming the Indian civil service through a capacity-building approach.

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Q.1. Describe briefly the salient features of the scheme ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Maina (MMNM)’ launched by the Government of Assam to eliminate child marriage. 

October 14, 2024

The Mukhya Mantri Nijut Maina (MMNM) scheme, launched by the Government of Assam, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at eliminating child marriage in the state.

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Q.2. A major paradigm shift in flood management in Assam has been planned with the proposed ‘Innovative Integration of Wetlands with River Brahmaputra for Floodwater Diversion’. Accordingly, an amount of Rupees 200 Crore has been earmarked for this purpose in the State Budget of 2024-25. Elaborate the main features of the project and examine its feasibility in flood management.

October 14, 2024

The ‘Innovative Integration of Wetlands with River Brahmaputra for Floodwater Diversion’ project is a key initiative in the Assam Budget 2024-25 aimed at addressing the

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Q.3. “Indian Railways is the lifeline of the Indian economy.” Discuss the statement in the context of the three railway corridors announced in the Union Interim Budget, 2024.

October 14, 2024

Indian Railways, often referred to as the lifeline of the Indian economy, plays a critical role in driving economic growth, supporting trade, and connecting the

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Q4. Comment on the benefits and challenges of digital economy in India.

October 14, 2024

The digital economy in India is rapidly transforming industries, governance, and society, fueled by increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage. According to the 2023 Internet

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Q5. Discuss the significance of ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ in reference to rural economy and climate mitigation.

October 14, 2024

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a landmark initiative by the Indian government aimed at providing free solar-powered electricity to rural households. This

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Q.6. Explain the relationship between government procurement operations, minimum support price(MSPs) and the creation of buffer stocks in the context of Assam.

October 14, 2024

The relationship between government procurement operations, the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and the creation of buffer stocks is crucial for ensuring agricultural stability and food

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Q.7. “Disasters affect girls and women in different ways that they affect boys and men.” Do you agree? Why are responses often gender-blind? How do you ensure gender equality in disaster risk reduction in particular?

October 14, 2024

Disasters impact all individuals, but their effects are often experienced differently by various groups, especially girls and women compared to boys and men. These gendered

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Q.8. Discuss the preparedness and mitigation measures that should be adopted for reducing the impact of earthquakes in the context of Assam.

October 14, 2024

Assam, located in the seismically active Zone V (the highest earthquake risk zone in India), is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its proximity to

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Q.9. What is the digital twin concept? How does it help an organization to arrive at better decisions? Discuss the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ Initiative of government of India.

October 14, 2024

The Digital Twin concept refers to the creation of a virtual replica or digital model of a physical entity, such as infrastructure, processes, or systems.

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Q.10. Do you think Green Credit Programme can be used to circumvent existing laws particularly those that deal with forest conservation? Substantiate your answer.

October 14, 2024

The Green Credit Programme (GCP), introduced under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is part of India’s broader push for sustainable development. It seeks to incentivize

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