upsc essay topics 2022

UPSC Essay Topic wise Question Papers of last 31 years (1993-2023) for Civil Services IAS/IPS Exam Free Download

In the UPSC mains examination, essay paper is worth 250 marks and three hours. Here is the topic wise questions from the earlier years for the benefit of civil service IAS IPS aspirants.

1.1 India Since Independence

1.2 federalism, decentralization, 1.3 administration, 1.4 judiciary, 1.5 poverty, social justice, 1.6 indian society, culture and values, 1.7 media, tv & cinema, literature, 2.1 growth vs development, 2.2 environment vs development, 2.4 sectors of economy, 3.1 values in education, 3.2 scheme implementation, 3.3 higher education, 4.1 character, honesty, ethics, 4.2 knowledge, 4.3 compassion, 4.4 truth and reality, 4.5 youth, discipline, 4.6 towards excellence, 5.1 @national politics, 5.2 @world / quote type, 5.3 empowerment overall, 5.4 compared to men, 6.1 globalization, 6.2 international org./ bilateral, 6.3 security, 6.4 history, 7.1 science and religion, 7.2 science and education, 7.3 computer and internet, 7.4 sci-tech: others, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2023, appendix: linear paper of upsc essay 2022, appendix: model answer pe free lecture & powerpoint, appendix: syllabus of essay paper in upsc, 1 india: democracy, administration, society, culture.

• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? -2013
• In the context of Gandhiji’s views on the matter, explore, on an evolutionary scale, the terms ‘Swadhinata’, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Dharmarajya’. Critically comment on their contemporary relevance to Indian democracy -2012
• Dreams which should not let India sleep. -2015
• Why should we be proud of being Indians? -2000
• Whither Indian democracy? -1995
• How far has democracy in India delivered the goods? -2003
• What we have not learnt during fifty years of independence. -1997
• What have we gained from our democratic set-up? -2001
• My vision of India in 2001 a.d. -1993
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India. -2017
• Water disputes between States in federal India. -2016
• Cooperative federalism : Myth or reality. -2016
• Creation of smaller states and the consequent administrative, economic and developmental implication -2011
• Evaluation of panchayati raj system in India from the point of view of eradication of power to people. -2007
• Water resources should be under the control of the central government. -2004
• The language problem in India: its past, present and prospects. -1998
• There are better practices to “best practices”. -2021
• How should a civil servant conduct himself? -2003
• Politics without ethics is a disaster. -1995
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy -1996
• Need for transparency in public administration -1996
• The country’s need for a better disaster management system. -2000
• Politics, bureaucracy and business – fatal triangle. -1994
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws. -2017
• Justice must reach the poor -2005
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy. -2004
• Judicial activism. -1997
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।) – 2023
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless (बिना आर्थिक समृद्धि के सामाजिक न्याय नहीं हो सकता, किन्तु बिना सामाजिक न्याय के आर्थिक समृद्धि निरर्थक है ) -2020
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness. -2019
• The focus of health care is increasingly getting skewed towards the ‘haves’ of our society. -2009
• Food security for sustainable national development -2005
• Reservation, politics and empowerment. -1999
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have (जो हम है, वह संस्कार; जो हमारे पास है, वह सभ्यता ) -2020
• Indian culture today: a myth or a reality? -2000
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values. -2000
• The composite culture of India. -1998
• The Indian society at the crossroads. -1994
• From traditional Indian philanthropy to the gates-buffet model-a natural progression or a paradigm shift? -2010
• New cults and godmen: a threat to traditional religion -1996
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy. -2019
• Responsibility of media in a democracy. -2002
• Role of media in good governance -2008
• Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it? -2011
• How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets? -2007
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? -2014
• Mass media and cultural invasion. -1999
• The misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India. -1998
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world (कवि संसार के अनधिकृत रूप से विधायक होते हैं) – 2022

2 Economy, Development

• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. -2018
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. -2016
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. -2016
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms. -2016
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. -2015
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country? -2014
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country-2013
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth? -2015
• Resource management in the Indian context. -1999
• Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence. -1993
• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence (आर्थिक समृद्धि हासिल करने के मामले में वन सर्वोत्तम प्रतिमान होते हैं।) – 2022
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India. -2018
• Should a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in tribal areas of the country? -2010
• Urbanisation and its hazards -2008
• Protection of ecology and environment is essential for sustained economic development. -2006
• Urbanization is a blessing in disguise. -1997
• Ecological considerations need not hamper development. -1993
• Globalization would finish small-scale industries in India. -2006
• Multinational corporations – saviours or saboteurs -1994
• Special economic zone: boon or bane -2008
• Is the criticism that the ‘Public-Private-Partnership’ (PPP) model for development is more of a bane than a boon in the Indian context, justified ?-2012
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. -2017
• BPO boom in India. -2007
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India? -2014
• Are our traditional handicrafts doomed to a slow death? -2009

3 Education

• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in – school. (- शिक्षा वह है जो विद्यालय में विधालय में सीखी गई बातों को भूल जाने के बाद भी शेष रह जाती है।)
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms. -2017
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil-2015
• Independent thinking should be encouraged right form the childhood. -2007
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? -2014
• Irrelevance of the classroom. -2001
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth? -2014
• Literacy is growing very fast, but there is no corresponding growth in education. -1996
• Is an egalitarian society possible by educating the masses ? -2008
• What is real education? -2005
• “Education for all” campaign in India: myth or reality. -2006
• Restructuring of Indian education system. -1995
• Privatization of higher education in India. -2002
• Credit – based higher education system – status, opportunities and challenges -2011

4 Quote based, Philosophy, Ethics

• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities (हर असमंजस के लिए मुस्कराहट ही चुनिन्दा साधन है) – 2022
• Philosophy of wantlessness is a Utopian, while materialism is a chimera. -2021
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me. -2021
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication (सरलता चरम परिष्करण है ) -2020
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them ships sink because of water that gets into them (जहाज अपने चारों तरफ के पानी के वजह से नहीं डूबा करते, जहाज पानी के अंदर समां जाने की वजह से डूबता हैं ) -2020
• Life is a long journey between being human and being humane.  (मनुष्य होने और मानव बनने के बीच का लम्बा सफर ही जीवन है)-2020
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be -2019
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society -2019
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success -2019
• Wisdom finds truth -2019
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both. -2018
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modem file. -2018
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed. -2016
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader. -2015
• With greater power comes greater responsibility. -2014
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword. -2014
• Attitude makes, habit makes character and character makes a man. -2007
• He would reigns within himself and folds his passions and desires and fears is more than a king. -1993
• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।) – 2023
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।) – 2023
• The real is rational and the rational is real. -2021
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self (विचारपरक संकल्प स्वयं के शांतचित्त रहने का उत्प्रेरक है )-2020
• ‘The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values. -2018
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. -2018
• There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. -2003
• Disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of civilisation. -1995
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. -2017
• Compassion is the basic of all morality of the world -1993
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole. -2015
• Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)-2013
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it. -2018
• Truth is lived, not taught -1996
• When money speaks, the truth is silent. -1995
• Search for truth can only be a spiritual problem. -2002
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining (छप्पर मरम्मत करने का समय तभी होता है, जब धूप खिली हुई हो) – 2022
• You cannot step twice in the same river (आप उसी नदी में दोबारा नहीं उतर सकते) – 2022
• Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin -2008
• Youth is a blunder, manhood a struggle, old age a regret -1994
• If youth knew, if age could. -2002
• Youth culture today. -1999
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? -2014
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।) – 2023
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।) – 2023
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है) – 2023
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) – 2022
• Quick but steady wins the race. -2015
• Useless life is an early death. -1994
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. -1995
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave. -2002
• The pursuit of excellence. -2001

5 Women empowerment

• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight. -1997
• Women’s reservation bill would usher in empowerment for women in India. -2006
• The new emerging women power: the ground realities. -1995
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. -2021
• If women ruled the world -2005
• The hand that rocks the cradle -2005
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality (पितृ-सत्ता की व्यवस्था नजर मैं बहुत काम आने के बावजूद सामाजिक विषमता की सबसे प्रभावी संरचना है) -2020
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. -2017
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered. -2016
• Whither women’s emancipation? -2004
• Empowerment alone cannot help our women. -2001
• Women empowerment: challenges and prospects. -1999
• Woman is god’s best creation. -1998
• Men have failed: let women take over. -1993
• Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal ?-2012

6 International issues, Internal Security, History

• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities. -2019
• Modernisation and westernisation are not identical concepts. -1994
• ‘globalization’ vs. ‘nationalism’ -2009
• National identity and patriotism -2008
• Globalizations and its impact on Indian culture. -2004
• The masks of new imperialism. -2003
• As civilization advances culture declines. -2003
• The implications of globalization for India. -2000
• My vision of an ideal world order. -2001
• India’s contribution to world wisdom. -1998
• The world of the twenty-first century. -1998
• Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role. -2010
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों मैं मौन करक के रूप मैं प्रौद्योगिकी) -2020
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world ? -2017
• Restructuring of UNO reflect present realities -1996
• The global order: political and economic -1993
• India’s role in promoting ASEAN co-operation. -2004
• Importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement -2006
• Management of Indian border dispute is a complex task. -2018
• In the Indian context , both human intelligence and technical intelligence are crucial in combating terrorism -2011
• Are we a ‘soft’ state ? -2009
• Good fences make good neighbours -2009
• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanization? -2007
• Terrorism and world peace -2005
• True religion cannot be misused. -1997
• History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. -2021
• Geography may remain the same ; history need not. -2010

7 Science-Technology

• Spirituality and scientific temper. -2003
• Science and Mysticism : Are they compatible ?-2012
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! -2021
• Modern technological education and human values. -2002
• Value-based science and education. -1999
• The march of science and the erosion of human values. -2001
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. -2021
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling. -2019
• ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium. -2017
• Cyberspace and Internet : Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run -2016
• Increasing computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanized society. -2006
• The cyberworld: its charms and challenges. -2000
• Computer: the harbinger of silent revolution. -1993
• Technology cannot replace manpower. -2015
• Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation-2013
• The modern doctor and his patients. -1997
• The lure of space. -2004

Section-A (write any one)

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team. (- सोच एक खेल की तरह है, यह तब तक शुरू नहीं होता है जब तक कि एक विपरीत टीम/पक्ष न हो।)
• Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic. (- दूरदर्शी निर्णय तभी लिए जाते है अंतर्ज्ञान और तर्क का परस्पर मेल होता है।)
• Not all who wander are lost. (- भटकने वाले सभी गुम नहीं हो जाते।)
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane (- रचनात्मकता की प्रेरणा अलौकिक ता में चमत्कार ढूंढने के प्रयास से उपजति है)

Section-B (write any one)

• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines. (-लड़कियां बंदिशों के तथा लड़के अपेक्षा के बोझ तले दबे हुए होते हैं दोनों ही समान रूप से हानिकारक व्यवस्थाएं हैं।)
• Mathematics is the music of reason. (- गणित ज्ञान का संगीत है।)
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. (- जिस समाज में अधिक न्याय होता है उस समाज को दान की कम आवश्यकता होती है।)

Answer one-one essay from each section in 1000-1200 words

• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man (इतिहास वैज्ञानिक मनुष्य के रूमानी मनुष्य पर विजय हासिल करने का एक सिलसिला है।) – 2022
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for (जहाज बन्दरगाह के भीतर सुरक्षित होता है, परन्तु इसके लिए तो वह होता नहीं है) & 2022
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right (केवल इसलिए कि आपके पास विकल्प हैं, इसका यह अर्थ कदापि नहीं है कि उनमें से किसी को भी ठीक होना ही होगा) – 2022

Essay: Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

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UPSC Essay Topics - Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains 2023

By vajiram & ravi.

Essay Course for UPSC

UPSC CSE Mains 2023 Essay Question Paper

UPSC Mains Optional Test Series

Mentorship Program for UPSC 2024

Understanding UPSC Essay Topics holds significant importance as it evaluates the candidate's ability to analyse, present arguments, and communicate effectively. In this article, we will explore the diverse range of UPSC essay topics, their significance, and essential tips to excel in this section. Get ready to enhance your writing and analytical skills and make a strong impression on the evaluators with well-crafted essays.

UPSC Essay Paper

The Essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination requires candidates to write multiple essays , each on a different topic, chosen from a given list of options. The essay topics for UPSC cover a wide range of issues, including social, economic, political, cultural, and philosophical aspects, both national and international.

The essay paper holds significant weightage in the UPSC Mains examination, contributing 250 marks out of the total 1750 marks . Scoring well in this section can have a considerable impact on the overall ranking and selection for the coveted civil services.

Weekly UPSC Essay Topics By Vajiram & Ravi

The UPSC Essay Paper is an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in expressing ideas and analysing complex issues. Vajiram & Ravi Pensive-Weekly Essay Writing Programme provides you with two Essay Topics every Saturday based on the previous year's question papers and the changing trends analysis. You can submit your Essay for peer evaluation on vajiramandravi.com. This will help you nourish your writing skills, give you clarity of thought, and build the capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2023

The purpose of the essay paper is to assess the candidate's ability to critically analyse a topic, present well-structured arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively. It also evaluates their knowledge of various issues, their clarity of thought, and their capacity to express opinions in a logical and coherent manner.

Some of the Important Essay Topics to prepare for the UPSC Mains Examination 2023 are:

• Gender Equality
• Environment/Urbanization
• Economic Growth
• Federalism/Decentralization
• Agriculture
• Economics 

UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy

Every year, UPSC typically provides you with two or more essay topics centred around philosophical thoughts, Indian philosophical schools, or quotes from notable personalities. To effectively address these philosophical topics, you should refer to Philosophy Books to gain a foundational understanding. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophy :

• Everything comes to him, who hustles while he waits.
• We are always blind as we want to be.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• A disciplined mind brings happiness.
• The price of Greatness is Responsibility.
• People would rather Believe than Know.
• Mind - A beautiful Servant? Or a dangerous Master?

UPSC Essay Topics on Art and Culture

The UPSC Essay Topics related to Indian society, art, and culture cover a wide range of subjects, offering great diversity. To gain knowledge about the static content on these topics, you should rely on fundamental books on society, as recommended for the exam. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Indian Art and Culture :

• Culture changes with economic development.
• Culture is what we are, Civilization is what we have.
• Social reform is a myth if places of worship are open only to all castes and not to all genders.
• Impact of Globalization on Indian Art and Culture.
• Caste System - India’s Enduring Curse.
• Godmen - A Threat to Indian Art and Culture?

UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology

UPSC essay topics on Science and Technology can largely be addressed through current affairs. You may also benefit from consulting a Science and Technology Book for UPSC to compose a comprehensive and well-rounded essay. Here are some UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology:

• Deglobalisation is good for the world.
• Science is organised Knowledge. Wisdom is Organised life.
• Technology is a Weapon against Poverty.
• Prioritising Education Technology for Global Growth.
• Technology is the silent factor in International Relations.
• Scientific and Technological Progress cannot be equated with Human Progress.

UPSC Essay Topics on Education

Education stands as one of the preferred UPSC Essay Topics, with an essay related to this subject often appearing in the paper each year. To tackle this topic effectively, you should stay abreast of Current Affairs , incorporating significant changes and advancements in the field. Let's explore some of the Essay topics for UPSC centred around education:

• Self Education is a lifelong curiosity.
• Education Breeds Peace.
• Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.
• Education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking.
• Schooling is not Education.

UPSC Essay Topics on Polity and Governance

To comprehensively address Polity and Governance topics, you should acquire fundamental knowledge from Polity Books for UPSC and Current Affairs. These resources offer static information about relevant issues and their historical context, which proves valuable while writing UPSC Essay Topics on Polity. Here are some Essay Topics on Polity and Governance:

• The Role of Politics in Development.
• Should Youth in India Consider Politics as a Career?
• Art, Freedom and Creativity will change society faster than politics.
• The politics of Identity is the Politics of the Weak.
• People should not be afraid of their Government. The Government should be afraid of its people.
• Government Surveillance - Good or Bad?

UPSC Essay Topics on Economy

Essays concerning economic growth are frequently included in the Essay Paper. To tackle these topics effectively, you should refer to Economy Notes for UPSC to gain a comprehensive understanding. Once the fundamentals are grasped, you can enhance their essays by incorporating examples, data, and statistics to create a multidimensional perspective. Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics on Economy:

• We don't have to sacrifice a Strong Economy for a Healthy Environment.
• India, a $5 trillion Economy - Dream or Reality?
• Digital Economy: A leveller or a source of Economic Inequality?
• Innovation is the key determinant of social welfare and economic growth.
• Labour Reforms in India and its Role in Economic Growth.

UPSC Essay Topics on Social Issues

Social issues are a significant aspect of the UPSC essay paper, reflecting the candidates' understanding of societal challenges and their ability to propose viable solutions. These essays provide a platform for candidates to analyse, critique, and suggest measures for pressing social concerns. Topics related to social issues in the UPSC Essay paper may include:

• Inclusivity and Plurality are the hallmarks of a Peaceful Society.
• A Gender-sensitive Indian Society is a prerequisite for Women and Child Empowerment.
• The weaker sections of Indian Society - are their Rights and Access to Justice getting Better?

Previous Year UPSC Essay Topics

Practising previous year's essay topics will help you become familiar with the UPSC exam pattern , word limit, and the types of essay questions frequently asked in the Mains Examination. Analysing past essay topics will also allow you to identify recurring themes and trends, enabling you to prioritise their preparation accordingly. Regular practice with past essay topics will instil confidence in you, helping you feel more comfortable and prepared for the actual exam.

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in the harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Tips to Excel in UPSC Essay Paper

• Understand the Topics: Thoroughly comprehend the essay topics, including the keywords and instructions. Choose a topic that aligns with your strengths and interests.
• Plan and Structure: Devote some time to plan your essay. Create an outline and organise your thoughts in a structured manner, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Be Objective: Present balanced arguments and avoid a biased or one-sided approach. Consider multiple perspectives and present a holistic view.
• Provide Examples and Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant examples, data, quotes and evidence to strengthen your essay.
• Maintain Clarity: Write in a clear and concise manner. Use simple language and avoid jargon or overly complex vocabulary.
• Practice Regularly: Regular practice is essential to improve Essay writing skills. Write essays on diverse topics to enhance your versatility.
• Time Management: Allocate appropriate time for planning, writing, and revising each essay to manage time effectively during the examination.
• Revise and Edit: Review your essays for coherence, grammar, and structure. Make necessary edits to refine your work.

FAQs on UPSC Essay Topics

What are the important UPSC Essay Topics?

Here is a list of UPSC Essay Topics asked in Mains Examination previously:

• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• What is research but a blind date with knowledge?
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for society.
• Wisdom finds truth.
• Ships don’t sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

How do I Prepare for the UPSC Essay?

To prepare for the UPSC essay, focus on understanding the essay syllabus and past topics to identify recurring themes. Regularly practise writing essays on various topics to improve your writing skills and time management. Structure your essays with a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Which is the best source to practise UPSC Essay Topics?

The best sources to prepare Essay for UPSC include official UPSC materials, newspapers, and magazines like The Hindu, Yojana , and Kurukshetra for current affairs, standard books on diverse subjects, government reports and publications, online platforms like PIB and PRS India, UPSC previous year papers for understanding the exam pattern, and regular practice of essay writing on various topics.

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Essay Paper UPSC 2021 (Mains): Question Paper and Analysis

Last updated on January 8, 2022 by Alex Andrews George

UPSC conducted the  Essay Paper , as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2021 on 07-01-2022.

There were 8 Essay topics, out of which candidates were asked to write on two topics in 3 hours.

Candidates were supposed to answer about 1000 words for each essay (about 10-12 pages).

Table of Contents

Essay Paper UPSC 2021 Instructions

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

Essay Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam (Written) 2021

Write  two  essays, choosing  one  topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

1. The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.

2. Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

3. Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

4. The real is rational and the rational is real.

5. Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

6. What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

7. History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

8. There are better practices to “best practices”.

Most of the essays topics this year were philosophical and open to the interpretation of the candidates. However, considering the philosophical base of the questions, most candidates found the questions tricky. It was not easy to write 1000 words on each topic within the time constraints.

UPSC has ensured that the essay topics were much different from the GS questions.

A philosophical theme is clearly evident in most of the essay topics in Section A as well as Section B. This was the case in 2020 as well. However, this year it became much more prominent. It is a clue about what UPSC expects from the essay paper.

Rather than asking candidates to write on topics most aspirants are familiar or trained with, UPSC is now evaluating the essay writing skills of aspirants by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics.

The reason for such a shift in the pattern should be the change in the focus of the Commission.

All the 8 topics presented this year will test spontaneous thinking, comprehension, writing skills, and time-management of aspirants.

Repeated questions from previous years

The importance of the previous year UPSC questions cannot be stressed more.

Just like prelims, in mains too many questions came directly repeated from previous year question papers. Also, there were themes you often see in many essay books.

One such question was Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

Thinkers, Philosophers, and their Quotes

Let’s analyse the source of some of the question topics.

Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.

This essay topic was a quote going rounds on the internet. The quote is attributed to “Coach Bobbi” [Bobbi Chegwyn] on Facebook.

Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.

This essay topic was connected with J.K. Mehta’s Theory of Wantlessness!

This has also connections with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy.

The real is rational and the rational is real.

This is a quote by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel .

As per Hegel, something can be real, yet it may not exist. Also, something may not be real, it may still exist. For Hegel, reality does not mean existence.

Among philosophers, Hegel is one whose thought is extremely difficult to understand. Often to understand Hegel’s thoughts, we need to grasp his ideas, not in isolation but together with his dialogue with other philosophers, in particular, Aristotle and Kant.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World” is a poem by William Ross Wallace that praises motherhood as the preeminent force for change in the world. The poem was first published in 1865 under the title “ What Rules the World “.

What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!

This is a quote by Will Harvey . Will Harvey (born 1967) is an American software developer and Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.

It was Karl Marx who said that history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce.

First, it’s a tragedy because it shouldn’t have happened. Then it’s a farce (joke) because we didn’t learn from our mistakes the first time around. This is Marx’s version of dark humour.

What should aspirants preparing for next year do for an essay paper?

First of all, you should take the essay paper seriously.

Unless properly trained, it is not easy to write 10-12 pages on an abstract or philosophical topic.

You need to polish your comprehension and analytical skills.

Read different kinds of essays – particularly philosophical essays.

Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. Start writing essays on famous quotes.

Also, be prepared to write essays touching other areas like society, polity, economy, or technology. UPSC is known for surprises.

Remember that there is nothing like a constant trend with respect to UPSC questions.

What you get by analysing the previous year question papers are clues. And only those are what you need from UPSC questions!

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Reader Interactions

January 8, 2022 at 11:36 am

Upsc has chosen right path to evaluate person.one person read, listen ,rember and write in exam.He qualify exam.He is just like computer.worthy less people selected by upsc every year.They are not thinker.so our country is intellectually insolvent.civil services requires thinker to. progess country and welfare of common man.These types of question evaluate intellectual for the welfare of human being.

January 9, 2022 at 1:44 pm

You are putting the quality of a leader and a literate society in such a person who just has to follow his supremes.He/She must be a good analyst. That’s it!!!

June 13, 2022 at 12:41 pm

in the bureaucracy – there is no space for logical thinking.

once you clear the exams and get appointed – you have to follow the “protocol’ or “procedures” – its difficult to be analytical and innovative – bcos the system demands obedience and adherence to the protocol. If you follow the protocol – and even if lot of people are severely affected – you wont be taken to task. But if you are innovative – and even if ONE person gets affected – you will be punished.

January 8, 2022 at 4:02 pm

Yeah!I’ve passed upsc .

January 25, 2022 at 2:21 pm

I have written Essay on three topics..how may I share?

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UPSC CSE MAINS 2022 ESSAY PAPER ANALYSIS

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on September 16 conducted the first paper of CSE Mains 2022 that is the Essay Paper.

Essay Paper UPSC 2022 Instructions

• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• The essay must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
• Word limit, as specified, should be adhered to.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly.

Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each:

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in the harbour is safe but that is not what a ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• Smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

UPSC CSE Main 2022 essay paper analysis

• There has been a trend of increased number of philosophical essays in the past couple of years however this time around the benchmark was higher than the previous few years. However, considering the philosophical base of the questions, most candidates found the questions tricky. It was not easy to write 1000 words on each topic within the time constraints.
• UPSC has ensured that the essay topics were much different from the GS questions.
• Rather than asking candidates to write on topics that most candidates are familiar with or have practiced with, UPSC now assesses candidates' essay writing skills by providing them with abstract or philosophical topics.
• This year most of the themes were either proverbs or famous quotes.
• All 8 topics this year will test applicants' spontaneous thinking, understanding, writing and time management.
• Topics required broad interpretation
• Themes asked:
• Poetic language as a tool to re-institute order in human society. 
• Getting out of one’s comfort zone 
• Do the right things at the right time
•  You won’t get the exact time/experience twice.
• Importance of smile
• Theme related to choices and decision making

It is necessary to know that why essay paper is required in a competitive exam?

UPSC notification says that “candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay, to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.”

What can one make out from this? The following quote of Abraham Lincoln very aptly answers the question…..

‘Writing’ (essay) of the aspirant works as a window, for the highly experienced examiner, to the thought process of the candidate. Examiner will not only evaluate the content of the aspirant but also his thought process, viewpoints on critical matters, clarity in thinking, ability to explain his view point concisely and effectively, ability of coherence and putting his ideas in an orderly fashion, language. In a nutshell, it acts as a mean to bring out the traits of a potential civil servant and to evaluate if he is fit to be one.

Having discussed about the importance of the paper, it is essential to clear the misconceptions associated with essay paper before moving to how to prepare for it.

• There is no preparation required for essay paper-GS and optional knowledge will suffice.

Truth. This is wrong way of thinking. In GS marks will be awarded just for content. But in essay, examiner will pay attention to more than content as explained above.

• One needs to be champion in English-use technical jargons, vocabulary.

Truth. It is worth noting that in UPSC CSE, the simpler the language the better it is. There is no need of flowery jargons and expressions. 

•   There is no difference between language paper essay and ‘Essay’ paper.

Truth. This is highly misconceived notion on the part of aspirants to treat the essay paper just like essays asked in the language papers. The importance of both is vastly different. One is aimed to judge the language of the aspirant whereas the other is aimed to bring out the true traits of a potential Civil Servant. 

• Essay paper can’t be prepared so easily.

Truth. This is again a misconception. There have been candidates who have drastically increased their marks from scores like 100-110 to 150-160 with proper strategy and preparation. It is worth noting that essay paper requires relatively lesser effort to improve as compared to GS papers. The rate of investment is quite high.

From where to prepare for the essay paper?

• GS and optional preparation will give content.
• Reading non-fiction: will help to develop thinking process.
• Anecdotes, stories, quotes, facts and figures: A separate notebook should be kept for the same.
• Referring to magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra, EPW, Economic Survey, DowntoEarth.
• Newspaper editorials, relevant lines said by eminent/constitutional posts like President, PM etc.
• Essay transcripts of previous year toppers.

How to prepare for the essay?

• Firstly read the transcripts of previous year toppers to get a feel of what comprises a well-written essay. 
• A separate notebook for essay should be prepared where fodder collected from the above mentioned sources should be written in point format. 
• An aspirant should prepare material on all the general topics that have been asked in the exam previously. This should include quotations, facts/ figures, anecdotes, sayings, case studies, government schemes.
• Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. Start writing essays on famous quotes.
• Whenever aspirant takes a particular topic, he should to try to think of all the possible themes/ dimensions of it. For eg: Consider the topic “With great power, comes great responsibility”. Aspirant can think of the topic from SPECLIH perspective- Social, Political, Economic, Cultural, Legal, International and Humanistic. This is one way of covering multiple dimensions.
• Read different kinds of essays – particularly philosophical essays. Give stress to the thoughts of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Friedrich Niche, Karl Marx etc. 
• Next step is to write essays. Pick up the previous year papers and practice them at home in exam conditions. Self-evaluate and get a feedback from mentors, peers and teachers.

How to approach an essay? 

• Aspirant should have clear cut plan ready for attempting the essay paper. It should be clear in his mind before entering the examination hall how he is going to manage the time. The answers to following questions should be ready beforehand. 
• How much time will be devoted in choosing the topic?
• How much time will be devoted in interpreting the topic?
• How much time will be devoted in making a rough skeleton of the essay?
• How much time will be devoted in attempting the essay?
• How much time will be devoted in revising and underlining the keywords?
• Aspirant should always keep a buffer of 10 minutes in order to meet any exigency.

Eg: Topic Selection: 5 minutes, Brainstorming: 10-15 minutes, writing: 1 hour, revision: 5 minutes.

• First thing is choosing the right topic from each section. This will depend upon the aspirant’s holistic understanding of the topic. Do not get swayed by the fact that since it is an easy topic I won’t choose it. I will choose unconventional topic just to impress the examiner. This is wrong way of thinking.
• Next thing is to interpret the topic. One should understand the theme of the topic. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT ESSAY WRITING IS PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE TOPIC AND “WRITING ON THAT TOPIC”. DOING THIS MUCH ENSURES THAT ONE WILL NOT GET BELOW ANERAGE MARKS.
• Brainstorm and prepare skeleton of the topic:
• Every essay should have an introduction, body and conclusion.
• Introduction: can be a fictitious story, real life anecdote, quote, a paragraph on what all is going be covered in the essay.
• Themes/ dimensions to be covered eg: SPECLIH, temporal, sectoral, walks of life, problem and solution format.
• Quotes, sayings, anecdotes, facts/ figures.
• Conclusion: it should always be on a futuristic and optimistic note. Summarize the essay in 4 to 5 lines and then write the vision for future. Some saying, quote, lines of eminent personalities can be used.
• Structuring of the essay:
• Language should  be  simple and clear
• Keep the sentences short and powerful
• An occasional use of powerful word or jargon can give the essay an edge
• Proper subheadings
• Transition smoothly from one para to the next through a link sentence/ through a question

What to avoid in the essay?

• Aspirant should never give one-sided arguments or viewpoints which are against constitutional spirit.
• Never focus excessively on only one dimension or theme.
• Always write what is asked not what one knows.
• Do not give disproportionate amount of time to one essay avoiding the other one.
• Avoid criticizing the government, its policies and schemes.
• Avoid being seen as a person belonging to a particular ideology.
• Avoid writing in bullets, making diagrams, figures, charts. Essay should always be in continuous para format.

It is often seen that aspirants do not give the necessary attention to the essay paper. They spend months preparing for the optional and the GS papers but hardly give dedicated time to essay paper. This leads them to score poorly in the exam and they fail to get the edge which they could have easily achieved with a proper strategy and preparation for the essay paper. If one compares GS papers score with that of essay one can find out that it is difficult to achieve a score of 120-125 marks in the former whereas aspirants touch 150 and even 160 in the essay paper which gives them an edge of almost 30 marks. CSE topper 2017 scored just 100 marks in the essay paper of CSE 2015 whereas after making the necessary effort and rectifying his mistakes he was able to score 155 in CSE 2017.

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UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 Essay Paper

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UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022: The Union Public Service Commission started the UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2022 on September 16, 2022. The UPSC mains exam started on September 16, 2022 , and will be held on 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2022, at various locations around the country. GeeksforGeeks have brought the UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2022 to make your exam preparation perfect. 

The highest score in the Mains Written level is crucial since 7 out of 9 papers are counted for merit ranking. Preliminary level marks, on the other hand, are not counted for merit ranking. As a result, the candidate’s attention should not only be on passing the exam but also on obtaining the best and highest possible grades. 

To gain a notion of Important Essay Topics for UPSC 2023 , one needs at least to look at the previous seven years of UPSC Essay Topics. Practicing the UPSC Essay Topics of Previous Years helps throughout the UPSC Mains exam, and the aspirant may ace the essay paper with enough preparation.

UPSC 2022 Mains Essay Question Paper:

The UPSC Essay paper is divided into two portions. Section A and Section B are the two. Each segment has four questions. Candidates must select one topic from each section, resulting in a total of two essay questions.

The word count for each question should be between 1000 and 1200 . Each question is worth 125 marks , thus the total number of marks is 250. The question paper will be evaluated on merit.

The Essay Topics asked in the UPSC Mains 2022 are given below:

1) Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.

2) Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.

3) History is a series of victorious won by the scientific man over the romantic man.

4) A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for. 

1) The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. 

2) You cannot step twice in the same river. 

3) A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities. 

4) Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Aspirants can evaluate and plan their approach for the Civil Services Examination’s Mains level based on the question paper of 2022. UPSC Mains 2022 Essay Paper UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 1 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 2 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 3 UPSC Mains 2022 GS Paper 4

UPSC Mains Essay Previous Year Question Paper:

• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2021
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2020
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2019
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2018
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2017
• UPSC Mains Essay Paper  2016 

How to Score Marks on UPSC Mains Essay Topics?

Writing provides insight into your cognitive process. This is precisely what the examiner looks at when reading your answer script. An essay is essentially a well-organized collection of ideas on any given topic. Mastering the skill of getting the highest possible grade on a test involves a lot of effort and dedication. The UPSC Mains essay is more than just a test of factual knowledge; it is also a test of creativity and confidence. 

Follow these strategies to get high marks in the UPSC Mains Essay paper:

1. Choose your topic carefully

The UPSC Essay paper 2022 is divided into two portions, and applicants must write one essay from each area. Both essays are worth 125 points and are 1000-1200 words long. Before choosing a topic, consider if it is too contentious or whether you have enough facts to write about it.

2. Think about the subject

Once you’ve decided on a topic, think about it and jot down the essential keywords you’ll use in your essay. Try to take a multifaceted approach to the essay and stick to a decent format of introduction, body, and conclusion.

3. Structure the essay in a proper manner

The opening paragraph is the heart of the essay and should provide a clear overview of the issue. The main focus should be on your thoughts on the subject. The primary body of the essay should be broken into little paragraphs that are interconnected nicely. The essay’s wording should be simple, clear, and easy to grasp. 

The UPSC Mains essay assesses your critical thinking abilities rather than your use of fancy language. Facts and statistics should be supplied whenever necessary. The use of quotations and sayings strengthens the essays. The final paragraph should speak for itself. Candidates should aim to write the essay in an unbiased or balanced manner.

Economic Growth, women empowerment, art & culture, media & society, social justice or poverty, education, renowned quotes from notable individuals , and other themes are among the UPSC Essay Topics.

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[Download pdf] UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper

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UPSC IAS Mains 2022 Examinations have started with the essay paper. After the completion of the examination in the first session, UPSC IAS Mains 2022 Essay Question Paper is out. If you are preparing for the 2023 examination, you can go through the question paper and check the type of topics that are being asked.

Download pdf of UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper or View the Images of UPSC IAS Mains 2022 – Essay Question Paper below:

• Forests are the best case studies of economic excellence
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic men
• A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what a ship is meant for
• The time to repair the roof is when sun is shining
• You cannot step twice in the same river
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right

To access Previous Year Question Paper  –  Click Here 

Previous Year UPSC Mains Papers

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UPSC Essay Topics 2024 - Topic-Wise Essay Questions

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The UPSC Civil Services mains exam includes UPSC essay topics paper out of 9 papers. Candidates can check trending UPSC CSE essay topics here. These UPSC Essay questions range from multiple topics like Economic Growth, Art & Culture, Women Empowerment, Media & Society, etc. UPSC IAS essay topics are significant for candidates to clear the mains paper 1 of UPSC IAS exam .

New:  UPSC IAS 2023 final Result & Toppers List |  UPSC CSE 2023 cutoff

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Also See:  UPSC IAS Mains question papers (2016-23)

UPSC IAS essay exam topics play a vital role in UPSC IAS exam. UPSC IAS mains paper carries 250 marks and aspirants are asked to write at least 2 essays between 1000 to 1200 words in 3 hours. Aspirants need to analyse UPSC essays from last year's question papers to get an idea about UPSC CSE Essay topics. Practising IAS topics from previous years' papers assists candidates to clear the UPSC IAS exam 2024 easily. Candidates are required to read daily newspapers to get a clear idea about UPSC IAS essay 2024 exam topics.

UPSC IAS Essay Topics 2024

UPSC CSE essay paper is one of the 9 papers of the UPSC IAS mains examination. The IAS essay paper analysis is the perspective of aspirants on economic, social and political issues. UPSC usually takes IAS essay questions either from Current Affairs or affecting present society to a large extent. A few of the engaging UPSC CSE 2024 essay questions can be asked from the UPSC 2024 IAS exam.

Social Media

Surveillance/Privacy

Urbanisation

Globalisation

Bureaucracy

Water Security

Media Tourism

Constitution

Food Hunger/Poverty/Security

Human Resources - Employment

Development

Higher Education/Education/Foreign University in Higher Education

UPSC CSE Essay Questions - Previous Years

Aspirants must be aware of the latest trends of the IAS exam pattern 2024 for mains. Candidates will come to know about the types of IAS essay topics asked and important recent essay questions. The UPSC CSE essay topics asked in the IAS Mains exam in previous years are detailed below.

UPSC IAS Essay Topic 2023

Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.

Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.

Not all who wander are lost.

Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.

Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands - two equally harmful disciplines.

Mathematics is the music of reason

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

Previous year

Poets are the harmony of the world.

Forests can be the main area of discussion for economic excellence.

History of battle between scientific man and romantic man.

Ship in the Harbour is secured but not for that case.

When the sun shines, the roof needs repair.

Move twice on the same river.

A smile is a solution to all problems.

Topic-Wise UPSC IAS Essay Questions

Every year, the Union Public Service Commission tends to give two or more essays from one of the 9 subjects in the UPSC CSE 2024 exam. To write about these IAS essay questions, candidates must go through reference books on these subjects to get a clear picture of the CSE Essay topics.

1. Environment/Urbanization

Protection of Ecology and Environment

Urbanisation and its side-effects

Must a moratorium be imposed on all fresh mining in the tribal areas?

Brave human laws can’t resist natural laws.

2. Economic Sectors/MNCs

Multinational Corporations

BPO boom in India.

Special Economic zone - boon or bane?

Globalisation would finish small sectors.

Are traditional handcrafts finishing up slowly?

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model of development is more than a boon in the Indian Context.

Tourism can be the next big thing for India.

3. Education

Restructuring of the Indian Education System

Irrelevance of the classroom

Privatisation of Higher Education in India

Modern technological education and human values

What is real education?

The new emerging women's power

Greater political power will not wash out women’s plight

The woman is God’s best creation

Challenges and Prospects of Women's Empowerment

Empowerment cannot help our women

Whether women’s emancipation

If women ruled the world

The hand that rocks the cradle

Women’s reservation bill

Managing Work and Home

If development is not engendered, it is endangered.

The fulfilment of a ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.

5. Character

Attitude makes habit, habit makes character and character makes a man.

Discipline means success, anarchy means ruin.

The character of an Institution is reflected in its leader.

Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.

Joy is the easiest form of Gratitude.

A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.

A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both

Custom morality can be a path to modern life.

6. Globalisation

Modernisation and Westernisation are not similar concepts.

The implication of globalisation in India.

The world of the 21st century.

Nationalism vs Globalization.

Globalisation and its effect on Indian culture.

The masks of new imperialism

My vision of the ideal world order.

Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role.

7. Science and Technology

The modern doctor and its patients.

Value-based education and science

Spirituality and scientific temper

The lure of space.

The march of Science and erosion of human values.

Science and Mysticism

Science and Technology are the panaceas for the growth and security of the nation.

Technology cannot replace manpower.

Alternative technology for a climate change resilient India.

8. International Organizations/Relations

Significance of Indo-US nuclear agreement.

Good fences make good neighbours.

Restructuring of UNO reflects present realities.

Has the Non-Alignment Movement lost its relevance in the multipolar world?

9. Security

Tourism and World Peace

Are we in a ‘soft’ state?

Both human intelligence and technical intelligence are important in combating terrorism.

10. Internet/IT

The cyberworld: its charm and challenges.

Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to human civilization in the long run.

Social media is inherently is selfish medium

A rapid increase in computerization would lead to the creation of a dehumanised society.

11. Media & Society

Misinterpretation and misuse of freedom in India.

Mass Media and Cultural Invasion.

Responsibility of media in a democracy.

How has satellite television brought about cultural change in Indian mindsets?

Does Indian cinema shape our popular culture or merely reflect it?

Is string operation an invasion of privacy?

How to Bring a Good Score on UPSC IAS Essay Topics?

Writing is a way to improve your thought process. It should be exactly what the examiner needs while accessing your written UPSC essay answer scripts. An essay is a well-structured collection of thoughts on any specific topic. The art to score high on the UPSC IAS mains paper 1 requires immense practice and perseverance. The UPSC Essay is never merely a test of factual knowledge but a test of creativity and spirit. To score good marks in UPSC CSE essay questions, follow the steps given below.

1. Choose IAS Essay Topics Carefully

The UPSC IAS Essay paper comprises two sections and candidates need to write one essay from each of the two given sections. Both UPSC essays are of 125 marks each of 1000-1200 words. Before choosing a UPSC essay topic, think over the topic whether it is controversial or you have enough data to write it.

2. Ponder the topic

While selecting the UPSC IAS essay question, think over the topic and select the main keywords that you are going to use during writing the essay. Implement a multi-dimensional approach to it and try to curate a good structure intro body and conclusion.

3. Curate Well

The introduction paragraph is the heart of the UPSC CSE essay topics and must have a concise and clear thought about the topic. The basic theme should be to talk about your views on the topic. The main body of the UPSC Essay should be divided into small paragraphs but must be well interlinked. The UPSC essay topic language should be lucid, convenient and easy to understand. The essay must evaluate your critical thinking ability rather than using decorative words. If needed, candidates must use data and facts. The usage of sayings and quotes adds weight to the UPSC Essay questions. The conclusion paragraph must be seen as self-explanatory. Candidates must have a balanced approach to UPSC IAS essay questions.

4. Go through ABC of Essay Writing

The ABC of UPSC essay writing must stand for appropriateness, brevity and consistency of UPSC essay topics. Following this rule will assist candidates while writing the UPSC CSE essay questions.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

UPSC Essay question papers have two sections with 4 to 5 essays each. A candidate must write two UPSC IAS essay topics, one from each section consisting of 1000-1200 words. The UPSC Essay paper is 250 marks and each essay contributes 125 marks.

A score of 125 and above is considered a good mark in Essay topics UPSC while a score between 100-120 is average. However, it’s not easy to score marks on paper if you haven’t prepared well enough. So, prepare well in the best possible method for UPSC IAS essay questions.

To start practising UPSC IAS essay topics, candidates must keep the following points in mind.

Read the best UPSC daily newspapers.

Highlight crucial lines or quotes and write them differently.

Practise one previous year's UPSC essay topic for at least a week and obtain it for peer review.

Use normal creative language while writing.

Implement integrated attitude thinking.

UPSC IAS 2023 essay topics can be divided into four categories - argumentative, expository, narrative and descriptive essays. The essay must be written in such a way that it would provide meaningful information to the reader.

Most of the UPSC IAS essay topics asked in the UPSC IAS exam are taken from Democracy and Bureaucracy, Administration, Politics, Economic Growth, Judiciary, Poverty, Indian Culture, Media, Justice, Environmental Pollution, Quotes, Women, Education, Globalization, Science & technology, etc. Candidates must pay attention more to these subjects while preparing UPSC CSE essay questions.

To write a good essay, you need to understand the topic properly so that you will be able to explain it in a proper way. During preparation, keep making notes and read the newspaper daily. You can listen to podcasts on various topics to develop a deep understanding.

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

It's great that you are taking the initiative to pursue your dream of becoming an IAS officer, Bettaswamy. Many working professionals like you crack the UPSC exam every year. Anxiety often stems from dwelling on uncertainties. Instead, focus on what you can control – your daily preparation. Break down your study plan into manageable chunks and celebrate small goals. Challenge negative thoughts with realistic and empowering self-talk. Instead of "what if I fail," tell yourself, "I am putting in the effort to succeed, and I am capable of learning from any outcome." Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to calm your mind and reduce stress. Plan your study schedule around your work commitments. Utilize pockets of time for revision and dedicate focused study time during evenings or weekends. Plan your study schedule around your work commitments. Utilize pockets of time for revision and dedicate focused study time during evenings or weekends. Connect with other UPSC aspirants or online forums for motivation and sharing strategies. Consider joining a coaching institute that caters to working professionals. https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse I hope it helps!

I assume you want to know the eligibility criteria to becoming an IAS. First of all, to become an IAS,  one has to clear UPSC CSE examiner. There are certain eligibility criteria for applying in this examination and they are as follows:

• Bachelor's degree from any recognised college.
• Age between 21-32; with some relaxation for reserved categories.
• Citizen of India ora subject of Nepal/ Bhutan or Tibetan refugee who came to India, to permanently settle here before January 1, 1962, or People of Indian origin who migrated from Uganda, Burma, Pakistan, Zambia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam to permanently settle in India.

For more information, please visit the website by clicking on the link given below:

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/upsc-ias-eligibility-criteria#toc_1

And other government jobs, the eligibility test is different for different jobs. It would have been if you could mention the government job you are interested in.

Hope this answers your query. Thank you

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing good !

Yes it will be considered because Bachelor in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) is a 4-year degree course . It is a multi-disciplinary profession with core subjects including speech pathology, language pathology, and audiology.

Hope it helps you ;

Dear Aspirant !

Hope you are fine!

The main subjects for the UPSC Exam are Indian Politics, Indian Economy, International Relations, Science and Technology, Geography, History, Environment and Ecology, and related Current Affairs . There are 25 subjects and 23 literature optional that one can choose from in addition to this..

Hello aspirant,

With the help of the IAS Answer Key 2024, applicants can estimate their potential score for the IAS preliminary exam, learn about the various IAS question types, gauge the exam's difficulty, and much more.

To get the answer key, you can visit our website by clicking on the link given below.

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/upsc-ias-answer-key

Hope this information helps you.

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(Download) UPSC IAS Mains Essay Exam Question Paper - 2022

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(Download) UPSC Mains 2022 Question Paper: Essay Compulsory

• Marks : 250 (125x2)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Exam Date:  16-09-2022
• Year : 2022
• Exam Date : 

Write Two Essays, choosing One from each of the Sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each.

Section-a (125 marks) - choose any one essay, q-1.forests are the best case studies for economic excellence., q-2.poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world., q-3.history is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man., q-4.a ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for., download upsc mains essay (compulsory) papers pdf, section-b (125 marks)- choose any one essay, q-1.the time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining., q-2.you cannot step twice in the same river., q-3.a smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities., q-4.just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right., click here to download full papers pdf, (e-book) upsc mains essay (compulsory) papers ( 2000-2020 ) pdf, download upsc mains gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc pre gs 10 year papers pdf, download upsc mains gs solved papers pdf, printed study material for ias mains general studies, printed study material for ias mains essay, << go back to main page.

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Essay Writing

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Important Essay Topics for UPSC Mains Exam

With every passing day, the democratic setup of India is strengthening, so are its administrative wings where transparency and accountability are evident. Well, it gives credibility to the fact that there are top administrative officers whose brilliant performance is at par excellence. Amid rigorous competition, UPSC ( Union Public Service Commission ) gets efficient candidates on-board who crack this toughest exam in India to serve the nation. This competitive examination includes 3 steps, Prelims, Mains and Personal Interview. Nevertheless, it’s a daunting task to crack such exam without meticulous preparation and strategies. In this blog, we have collated information related to the UPSC essay writing topics and their related components. It is paramount to have a tap on all those important UPSC Essay Topics which have been widely asked in previous years question papers .

Let’s take a look at important UPSC essay writing topics , you need to start practicing:

Social Topics

• Literacy and education.
• Modernization and Westernization in India
• Gender Equality-problems and perspectives
• Information Revolution and its increasing effects
• Consumerist culture and its effects.
• Reservation: Need, problems and solutions
• The issue of child labour: what to do?
• The mentality of misusing freedom
• Composite culture of India
• Rewriting of History
• The problem of conversion and its solution
• Uniform Civil Code: Need and perspective
• Sustainable Development
• Population Explosion:  Problem and solution
• Indian nationalism: Nature and perspectives
• The freedom of expression and its limitations.
• Socialism: An irrelevant ideology
• The responsibilities of Journalism
• Human Rights: Need of every human being        
• Corruption: A part of our way of life
• The problem of language and its solution             
• Need of saving childhood
• Youth unrest: Causes and solutions
• The problem of vulgarity
• Need for a youth and culture policy
• Indian culture: Unity in Diversity.

Like above questions Mirant Parikh, IAS(AIR 67, CSE 2016) has written Essay on one of above questions:

Click here for Full Copy

Political topics.

• India as a soft state
• The Constitutional Review: need and perspective
• The need of interaction between administration and public
• Every right is attached with a duty.
• The criminalization of politics
• Political instability: A hurdle in national development
• Achievements and failures of Democracy in India
• Is India really a secular state?
• Parliamentary Democracy: situation, problems and solutions
• Corruption in politics
• Judicial Activism
• The need of sensible administration
• National Security: Challenges and hopes
• Democracy: A way of life
• Kashmir problem: Need of a proper solution
• Coalition politics: past, present and future
• The gifts of Democracy: Casteism, Regionalism and Communalism.

Economic Topics

• India in the age of privatization, liberalization and globalization.
• New economic policies and the ideal of Democratic Socialism
• Poverty and socialism: the Indian contradiction
• New economic policies: oceans of poverty and islands of wealth
• Regional imbalance in development
• Human resource development and management.

International Topics

• The problems of third world countries
• The problem of international terrorism
• India's contribution to the world
• United Nations: Evaluation
• Human Rights: A universal propaganda
• Indian foreign policy: Need of restructuring
• India and its neighboring countries
• Idealism and pragmatism in foreign policy.

Mock answer by Mirant Parikh, IAS (AIR 67, CSE 2016)

Click here for full copy

Philosophical/imaginative topics.

• God is a subject of belief, not of reason
• The philosophy of post-modernism in context of India
• India's basic philosophy and its effect on our society
• Religion and Politics: the professions without capital
• 'Who cares’: the basic of youth culture.

Other topics

• New concepts of alternative medicine: Realities about them
• Natural disasters: the management of rescue
• Need of a sport policy for India
• Environment Protection: problem and solution.

Essay Preparation Strategy By: Mirant Parikh (AIR 67, CSE 2016)

Apart from these topics, candidates should browse through articles, columns, features of newspapers, magazines, journals for the preparation of good essays. Regular clippings and jotting down of important points on the side of clipped topics will ease your time and tension while giving a cursory look during the UPSC IAS examination period.

Related Articles

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Important UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years: Download PDF

Annesha Deb ,

Mar 4, 2024 | UPSC CSAT

Share it on:

The judiciary, economics, society, government policies, geography, science and technology, and federalism are some areas for UPSC essay topics. Students have to answer 1 essay topic from Sections A and B.

The UPSC Essay Topics 2023 are segmented into two sections - Section A and B with 4 topics each. The topics are "Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team", "Visionary decision-making at the intersection of intuition and logic", "Not all who wander are lost".

UPSC essay topics are from various areas: Administration, Democracy/India since Independence, Judiciary, Economics, Federalism, Decentralisation, Indian culture and Society, Environment, Socialisation, and Science & Technology. The essay questions are part of civil services mains exams. Each essay topic must be written within 1000 to 1200 words. 

Table of Contents

• UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years PDFs: Download Link

UPSC Essay Topics from Previous Years

How to prepare for upsc essay topics, upsc essay topics from previous years pdfs.

In the table below are the UPSC essay topics from the previous years. These are the official PDFs. Students can download the PDFs by clicking on the links. 

UPSC essay topics are divided into two sections: Sections A and B. Students have to choose their desired topic. There are 4 topics in each section. Here are the UPSC essay topics from 2023 to 2014. 

UPSC Essay Topics 2023

Upsc essay topics 2022, upsc essay topics 2021, upsc essay topics 2020, upsc essay topics 2019, upsc essay topics 2018, upsc essay topics 2017, upsc essay topics 2016, upsc essay topics 2015, upsc essay topics 2014.

• Thinking is like a game, it does not begin unless there is an opposite team 
• Visionary decision-making at the intersection of intuition and logic
• Not all who wander are lost
• Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane
• Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands - two equally harmful disciplines
• Mathematics is the music of reason
• A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity
• Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school
• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man.
• A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ship is for.
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
• You cannot step twice in the same river.
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.

Also Check : UPSC Toppers Answer Sheet: Download PDF

• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. 
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me. 
• Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge! 
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to "best practices".

Also Check : How to Crack UPSC?

• Life is long journey between human being and being humane.
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.
• Ships do not sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

Also Check : Easiest Optional Subjects for UPSC

• Wisdom finds truth.
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society.
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.
• Management of Indian border disputes-a complex task.
• The past' is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both.
• Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it.
• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. 
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India.
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world? 
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• Fulfilment of 'new woman' in India is a myth.
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.
• Social media' is inherently a selfish medium. 
• If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
• Water disputes between States in federal India.
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare. 
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality.
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run.
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms.
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality.
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Quick but steady wins the race. 
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
•  Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever  devil. 
• Technology cannot replace manpower. 
• Crisis faced in India - moral or economic.
• Dreams which should not let India sleep.
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth ?
• With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress? 
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy? 
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India?
• Tourism Can this be the next big thing for India?

Preparation for UPSC essay topics is important. One hundred twenty-five marks are allotted to each topic, and the total marks for the paper are 250. 

Therefore, here are some of the preparation tips:

• Research for Topics: Students are advised to review the popular essay topics. Do a thorough research on the topic and support the essay with facts. 
• List Down the Topics: Once the topics are gathered, students must divide them into judiciary, polity, administration, society, economics, etc. This process helps in collecting supporting information quickly. 
• Know the Latest Events: UPSC essay topics are usually from the latest events. The knowledge of events is tested; students must watch the news or read Pratiyogita Darpan to know the latest events. 
• Practice Writing: The writing has to be fast and precise. Students must choose a topic, start writing on it, and time themselves. 
• Proofread: Students must also proofread their essay topics if there are mistakes that will cost them a deduction of marks.

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UPSC Essay Topics

The Upsc Essay Topics change every year, and aspirants are never sure what they will be. They can be about things like how the economy is doing, how women can be stronger, art and culture, or how the media affects us. Moreover, it’s a good idea to look at the essay questions from previous years to get an idea of what might be asked. This will help you practice writing essays and do well in the exam. With enough practice, you can become good at writing essays for the UPSC exam .

Furthermore, the IAS Essay section is very important in the UPSC exam. It contains 250 marks, and you must write two essay questions in three hours, each 1000 to 1200 words. Additionally, to prepare, it’s a good idea to look at previous upsc essay papers to understand what essay topics upsc might come up in the exam.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

You can also check for UPSC Mains Toppers Booklist . [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am5JYNs9Y08[/embedyt]

UPSC Essay Topics 2024

The UPSC essay paper is one of the nine papers in the UPSC Mains exam . It’s a chance for candidates to share their opinions on social, economic, and political issues. UPSC usually chooses topics that are either related to current events or have a big impact on society. Moreover, some important IAS essay topics for the UPSC exam could include:

• Development
• Urbanisation
• Globalisation
• Bureaucracy/Civil Service
• Constitution
• Water Security
• Poverty/Hunger/Food Security
• Human Resources- Employment
• Social Media
• Privacy/Surveillance

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes  

UPSC Essay Topics: Previous Year Question Paper

Having access to the previous year’s essay topics can be useful. It gives you an idea of the types of essays asked in previous years. Moreover, That’s why we’ve provided the UPSC essay topics from the previous year’s UPSC question paper below.

• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2022
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2021
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2020
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2019
• UPSC Essay Topics for year 2018

You can also check for how to write an essay for upsc .

UPSC Essay Topics: Topic wise

Here, we will discuss different UPSC Essay Topics that are frequently asked in the UPSC Examination.

UPSC Essay Topics on Administration 

If you want to prepare for Polity and Administration topics for the UPSC exam, you can start by reading books on Polity and Public Administration. Moreover, these books provide basic information about relevant issues and their history, which can be useful when writing essay questions on Polity and Public Administration for the UPSC exam. Some UPSC essay topics on these topics could include:

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• Is autonomy the best answer to combat balkanisation?
• Politics without ethics is a disaster.
• Judicial activism and Indian democracy.
• The language politics in India: its past, present, and future.
• Is a better disaster management system need of the hour?
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality.
• Need for transparency in public administration.
• The VIP cult is a bane of Indian democracy.

UPSC Essay Topics on Science and Technology

To write an essay on Science and Technology topics for the UPSC exam, you can start by following current affairs related to this field. You can also refer to books on Science and Technology for UPSC to get a multidimensional perspective. Moreover, some possible Science and Tech UPSC essay topics could include:

• The modern doctor and his patients.
• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Alternative technologies for a climate change-resilient India.
• Technology cannot replace manpower.
• Social media is inherently a selfish medium.
• Value-based science and education.
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilisation in the long run.
• The lure of space.
• Spirituality and scientific temper.
• The march of science and the erosion of human values.
• The cyberworld: Its charms and challenges.
• Science and Mysticism: Are they compatible?

UPSC Essay Topics on Women Empowerment

UPSC encourages gender equality in the workplace and often includes essay topics related to women. The UPSC Essay topics aims to understand the candidate’s level of critical thinking and ability to express their thoughts. Including data, references, and real-life examples can help earn extra marks while writing essays. Moreover, some possible UPSC essay topics related to women and women empowerment could include:

• Challenges and Prospects of Women Empowerment
• Ground realities of the new emerging women power
• Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.
• Is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal- Managing work and home?
• Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What if all the developed countries had women as their heads?
• Greater political power alone will not improve women’s plight.
• Whither women’s emancipation?

UPSC Essay Topics on Indian Culture & Society

The UPSC essay topics related to Indian society, art, and culture are always diverse. To prepare for these topics, candidates can read basic books on society that are typically referred to during the exam. Moreover, you can also use Art & Culture Notes for UPSC to help with your preparation. Some possible UPSC essay topics related to Indian culture and society are:

• Are new cults and godmen threats to the traditional religion?
• Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.
• Indian society is at a crossroads.
• The composite culture of Indian society
• Where the Youth culture of today is heading towards
• As civilisation progresses, culture declines.

UPSC Essay Topics on Philosophical Type

Every year, UPSC includes two or more UPSC essay topics related to philosophical thoughts, Indian philosophical schools, or quotes from famous personalities. Students can refer to Philosophy Books for UPSC to prepare for these topics to gain a basic background. Moreover, some possible UPSC essay topics related to philosophy or quotes from famous personalities are:

• Be the change you want to see in others.
• Reality does not conform to the ideal but confirms it.
• The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
• Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.
• If youth knew if age could.
• Useless life is an early death.
• Search for truth can only be attained through spiritual means.
• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Words are sharper than a two-edged sword

UPSC Essay Topics on Education

Education is a popular UPSC essay topics , and almost every year, an essay related to education is asked in the paper. Moreover, to prepare for this topic, staying updated with current affairs and major changes and developments related to the field is important. Some possible UPSC essay topics related to education for UPSC could include:

• Privatisation of the higher education system in India.
• Does growth in literacy correspond to growth in education?
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather make a man a more clever devil.
• Concept of Real Education
• Restructuring of the Indian education system with respect to the NEP
• The destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
• Education for all”: myth or reality.

UPSC Essay Topics on Economic Growth

UPSC frequently includes IAS essay topics on economic growth, development, and the MNC (multi-national corporation) sector. To prepare for these topics, candidates can refer to Economy Notes for UPSC to get a general overview of the subject. Moreover, once you grasp the basics well, you can add examples, data, and figures to make your essay more multi-dimensional. Some possible UPSC essay topics related to economics for UPSC could include:

• Can tourism be the next big thing for India?
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) should be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.
• Are the Multinational corporations saviours or saboteurs?
• Is the Digital economy a leveller or a source of economic inequality?
• Is it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Future of BPO Culture in India
• Crisis faced in India – moral or economic.
• Is the near jobless growth in India an anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms?

You can also check for UPSC Calendar 2023 .

Upsc Essay Topics: Things to keep in mind

Writing is a way to show how you think. When an examiner reads your essay, they can understand your thought process. An essay is a well-structured set of ideas on a specific topic. Moreover, to score well on the UPSC Essay paper , it’s important to practice and be persistent. The essay is about factual knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking. To score well on the UPSC Essay paper, follow these steps:

• Choose the Right Essay

The UPSC Essay paper has two sections, and you have to write one essay from each section. Both essays have 125 marks each and must be 1000-1200 words. Before choosing a topic, it’s important to reflect on it and consider if it’s too controversial or if you have enough information to write about it.

• Examine the Topic

When you select UPSC Essay Topics , it’s important to take some time to think about the topic and write down the main keywords that you will use in your essay. This will help you organise your thoughts and ensure you cover all the key points.

Taking a multidimensional approach is important when writing your essay, which means considering different perspectives and angles.

Additionally, structure your essay clearly and concisely, with an introduction that sets the stage for the rest of the essay, a body that covers your main points, and a conclusion that summarises your key ideas and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

• Structure well

The introduction is a crucial part of the UPSC Essay Topics and should provide a brief idea about the topic. It should convey your perspective on the topic. The essay’s main body should be divided into well-connected small paragraphs. The language should be simple, clear, and easy to comprehend.

Moreover, the focus should be on critical thinking rather than using complex vocabulary. If necessary, include relevant facts and data. Using quotes and sayings can add weight to the essay. The conclusion should be clear and concise. While writing, strive for a neutral or balanced approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1: Do UPSC Topics get repeated?

Ans: That’s correct. While UPSC may repeat essay topics from previous years, they are likely to ask a different question with the exact same wording. Instead, they may tweak the language or focus of the question slightly to test a candidate’s understanding and analytical skills. Moreover, it is also true that certain topics, such as history, economics, and Indian polity, tend to be asked more frequently than others.

Q2: How many essay questions are asked in the upsc essay paper?

Ans: The UPSC Essay Paper consists of two sections, each containing four to five essay topics. Candidates need to choose one essay topic from each section and write an essay of 1000 to 1200 words on each topic. Moreover, each essay is worth 125 marks, and the total mark for the UPSC Essay Paper is 250.

Q3: How can I write a good essay for UPSC?

Ans: Keeping notes and staying updated with current affairs is crucial in developing a deep understanding of various topics. Reading books, journals, and other publications related to the UPSC Essay Topics can also help enhance knowledge and vocabulary. Moreover, ractising writing essays regularly and getting feedback from mentors or peers to improve writing skills is also important.

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UPSC Essay Topics From PYQs (2013-2022)

Check out our collection of Essay Topics taken straight from UPSC’s Previous Year Questions! Simple to understand and perfect for your preparation. We recommend aspirants study and analyze them thoroughly.

Table of Content

• UPSC CSE – 2022 (Essay Paper)
• UPSC CSE – 2021 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2020 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2019 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2018 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2017 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2016 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2015 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2014 ( Essay Paper )
• UPSC CSE – 2013 ( Essay Paper )

Importance of Previous Year’s Question- PYQs in UPSC :

Previous year’s question papers are very important for UPSC exam preparation. They provide valuable insights into the exam pattern, the types of questions asked the difficulty level, and the topics that are frequently covered in the exam. By analyzing the further given UPSC Essay previous year’s question papers, aspirants can understand the nature and scope of the UPSC exam, identify the important topics, and prepare accordingly

UPSC’S Last 10 Years (2013-2022) Questions Compilation :

UPSC CSE – 2022 (Essay Paper PYQs)

Marking Scheme: Need to Choose One Essay from Each Section – 125 Marks Each- Total Time is 3 Hours

• Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence
• Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
• History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man
• A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is for
• The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining
• You cannot step twice in the same river
• A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities
• Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right

UPSC CSE – 2021 (Essay Paper PYQs)

Marking Scheme: Chose One Essay from Each Section – 125 Marks – 3 Hours

• The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced.
• Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
• The philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
• The real is rational and the rational is real.
• The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
• What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
• History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
• There are better practices to ‘best practices’.

UPSC CSE – 2020 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Life is a long journey between human being and being humane.
• Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.
• Ships do not sink because of water around them, ships sink because of water that gets into them.
• Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
• There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.
• Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
• Technology as the silent factor in international relations.

UPSC CSE – 2019 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Wisdom finds truth.
• Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be
• Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society
• Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success
• South Asian societies are woven not around the state but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
• Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.
• Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
• Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of a jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.

UPSC CSE – 2018 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.
• A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
• Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere
• Management of Indian border disputes—a complex task
• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• ‘The past’ is permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
• A people that values its privileges above its principles loses both
• Reality does not conform to the idea, but confirms it.

UPSC CSE – 2017 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India.
• Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India.
• Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
• Has the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multipolar world?
• Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
• Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is myth.
• We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.
• ‘Social media’ is inherently a selfish medium.

UPSC CSE – 2016 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
• Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
• Water disputes between States in federal India.
• Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare.
• Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality
• Cyberspace and Internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run.
• Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms
• Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality.

UPSC CSE – 2015 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
• Quick but steady wins the race.
• Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
• Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil.
• Technology cannot replace manpower.
• Crisis faced in India— moral or economic.
• Dreams which should not let India sleep.
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?

UPSC CSE – 2014 (Essay Paper PYQs)

• With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
• Are the standardized tests good measure of academic ability or progress?
• Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
• Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
• Is sting operation an invasion on privacy?
• Fifty Golds in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India?
• Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India?

UPSC CSE – 2013 (Essay Paper PYQs)

Marking Scheme: Chose Only One Essay – 250 Marks – 3 Hours

• Be the change you want to see in others — Gandhiji.
• Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s success?
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.
• Science and Technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation

Studying the previous year’s question papers helps aspirants to get familiar with the types of questions asked in the exam and the expected answers. This, in turn, helps them to develop their time-management skills, improve their speed and accuracy, and enhance their overall performance in the exam.

Moreover, analysing the previous year’s question papers also helps aspirants to identify their weaknesses and strengths. They can evaluate their performance in each section and topic and work on improving their weaker areas. This can help them to focus on the important topics and boost their confidence for the exam.

In summary, previous year’s question papers are an essential tool for UPSC exam preparation, and aspirants should make it a priority to study and analyse them thoroughly.

All the best!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Frequenly Asked Questions – FAQs

How can i write a good essay for upsc.

Some steps involved in best UPSC Essay writing are 1. Understand the topic 2. Plan and Organize your thoughts and ideas 3. Write a strong introduction 4. Write arguments and counterarguments 5. Use transitions 6. Strong conclusion.

Which types of Essays are asked in UPSC CSE?

Generally, Four types of essays that are asked in the UPSC CSE Examination are, 1. Narrative 2. Descriptive 3. Informative 4. Persuasive.

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UPSC CSE 2022 ESSAY TOPICS

1. Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence. 2. Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world. 3. History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man. 4. A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for.

5. The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. 6. You cannot step twice in the same river. 7. A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities. 8. Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right..

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UPSC Essays Simplified: Structure and Flow of a good essay– the third step

How to build a 'structure and flow' in a good essay our expert takes you through the third stage of writing an essay in upsc essentials' new series. don't miss the essay exercise towards the end of the article..

How to write essays for UPSC Civil Services Exams?   This is one of the most popular questions among aspirants. In UPSC Essentials’ special series  UPSC Essays Simplified , we take you through various steps of writing a good essay. While there is no set formula or fixed criteria prescribed,  Manas Srivastava  talks to  Ravi Kapoor , our expert, in this new series who guides the aspirants with a simplified framework on how to write a good essay. Don’t miss  ‘The Essay Exercise’  towards the end of the article.

Ravi Kapoor focuses on the following steps of pre-writing and writing stages which will help aspirants to write a ‘good essay’.

Today, we will focus on Step 3. 

About our Expert:   Ravi Kapoor IRS (R) , has now ditched his coveted rank of deputy commissioner and has offered free quality mentorship to UPSC aspirants, drawing upon his ten years of experience to create customised and productive curriculum. Through a free mentorship programme, he integrates tailored educational materials, psychological principles, visual learning techniques, and a strong emphasis on mental well-being into his teaching skills granting aspirants a chance to learn from his expertise.

How to have a ‘Structure and Flow’ in a good essay?

Everyone knows that an essay should be broken down into an introduction, body and conclusion. But what is written inside these 3 components and HOW it is written makes the difference between an essay fetching average or excellent scores.

Structuring and flow refer to the organisation of the essay and your ideas therein.

A good structure is a way of organising information that fits well with the essay topic and the ideas you wish to present in your arguments such that the reader can make sense of the entire write-up without much effort.

Good flow refers to how your arguments and counterarguments connect from one to another such that the reader finds it logically connected and easy to comprehend.

An essay without these elements will appear to be disorganized, jargoned, hard to comprehend and overall, complicated.

Contrary to popular belief, flow and structure are not subjective writing skills that are inborn in good writers but can be learned and improved upon. What follows is a series of structuring techniques that will help you choose the best one for any essay topic you may encounter.

What are different types of structures? 

1. 2 side face-off:.

This is the oldest trick in the book. While writing the body of the essay, you divide it into arguments and counterarguments. In other words, you compare one side of the debate with the other.

For example:

“Thinking is like a game; it does not begin unless there is an opposite team”

The body of the essay can be divided into 2 parts- one agreeing with the statement and one disagreeing with it as follows:

Thinking is reciprocal as thought builds on other thoughts. The Socratic method, championed by Socrates, is a testament to this idea. Socrates would go around Athens spreading knowledge by asking questions and inciting dialogue which would lead the conversationist to the point of realization about something new and profound.

Similarly, when Einstein said he was standing on the shoulders of giants, he meant that his theory of relativity was built using many ideas developed by mathematicians and physicists who came before him.

The reciprocal nature of thought helps to improve it by allowing dissent and counterarguments much like a game of chess. An example is the Case study pioneered by Harvard Business School wherein one case is debated upon in detail considering various strategies before arriving at the optimal one.

While dissent and opposition can lead to many a good idea, there are more ways for thought to develop into ideas within human consciousness. Human cognition is too complex to be restricted to one mode of thinking. A Case in point is intuitive or creative thinking that can arise spontaneously without the interlocking of two human intelligences.

For instance, creative geniuses often hit upon their best ideas out of the blue in ‘Eureka’ moments that seem to arise from within the subconscious mind without the presence of an opponent.

Another example is ‘thought-experiments’ used by philosophers that are designed to be introspective exercises that one engages with, with oneself. Thought experiments are indispensable tools for philosophers and physicists to offer insight into a profound problem of logic and metaphysics.

2.Dimensional analysis:

It has become fashionable to break the essay topic into various dimensions such as Social, Cultural, Historical, Economic etc. But this is not a one-size-fits-all method and may or may not work with every essay topic.

“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in the school…”

While this topic can be written about based on various dimensions such as economic, historical, social etc, it is not necessarily the best structure for it.

Instead, a better way to present the information in this essay topic would have a mix of chronology and analysis in the following way-

We are blank slates when we are born onto which society and culture leave their imprint. Through childhood and adolescence, the education system seeks to put us through a treadmill of learning, hoping for a fully functional human to emerge at the end. Sadly, the world that awaits a young adult after school is often very different from what the education system has imparted.

Memorization, exams, grades and NCERT books amount to nothing in a world driven by start-ups, ChatGPT and Social Media influencers…. Please note that the dimensions such as social, cultural and historical factors can also be mentioned in the body of the essay as supporting content ideas.

In most essay topics, these dimensions are best used to describe the reasons and impact of an issue or debate instead of as just a structure.

3. Timeline and Chronology

Some essay topics are uniquely suited for a chronological structure wherein you take the reader through a historical journey or evolution such as :

“History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man”

This topic is about the ancient debate between rationality and idealism. To write well about it, you would have to trace the through major historical intellectual movements such as the Scientific Revolution, the Dark Ages, the Renaissance, etc. While doing so, you could mention how each stage was relevant for rational thinking versus idealism with relevant examples.

While you do so chronologically, remember to also present a balanced approach in your arguments- On every stage, you can mention how rational thinking and idealism have been in a tight relationship, but both have been an integral part of human consciousness representing creativity and logic. You may also mention how this to and fro has enriched human civilisation and led to the development of science and art.

4. Anecdotes and stories

Many students like to start their essays with an anecdote- a personal story or an imaginary one about characters highlighting the debate presented in the essay topic. While this is not a bad strategy, it requires a fair amount of creative writing ability to pull off properly. It is also important to mention that anecdotes are not the most suitable vehicle to comprehensively deal with the essay topic as not all arguments can easily fit into a personal story.

An example of a good use of anecdotal structure is:

“Not all who wander are lost”

About 2000 years ago, a wandering prince changed the world by questioning the most profound and radical assumptions about human existence. Prince Siddhartha was bathed in luxury and wanted for nothing. But when we saw the naked reality of the world and all its suffering, he could not silence his mind to the questions that we take for granted- why is there suffering and death? If suffering is inevitable then what is the point of life? Is there peace to be found or are we doomed to suffer in this life?

He wandered for years in search of answers, as lost as a soul can be. But in the end, it was his wandering that changed the world forever. When he became the Buddha, he not only found himself but saved millions of others from being lost themselves….

Anecdotes can make for good hooks or introductions to an essay but may not serve well to cover the entire body of the essay.

The Essay Exercise

Important points to note: 

• You can choose which type of structure to use- there is no single best choice.
• You may use more than 1 type of structure.
• You may use structures for introduction, body and conclusion.

Subscribe  to our  UPSC newsletter  and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.

The UPSC articles of  Indian Express  is now on Telegram.  Join our Telegram channel-  Indian Express  UPSC Hub and stay updated with the latest Updates. For your answers, queries and suggestions write at  manas.srivastava@ indianexpress.com .

Manas Srivastava is currently working as Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and majorly writes for UPSC-related projects leading a unique initiative known as UPSC Essentials. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called ‘Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik’ and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called ‘You Ask We Answer’.His talks on ‘How to read a newspaper’ focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also currently working on a monthly magazine for UPSC Aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University’s Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women’s Studies by the Women’s Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on ‘Psychological stress among students’ at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More

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Prelims 2024 was the most diabolical paper in the past decade

Prelims 2023 was the toughest paper in the past 10 years. But it was hard in the most conventional sense and it was hard for everyone. Not a single person who wrote the paper could call it anything but tough.

But Prelims 2024 is a completely different story. Everyone thought they were scoring 110+ while coming out of the exam hall. Some probably had dreams of 135+ too. I thought I was at 115 for sure. But slowly and steadily, things began to unravel.

The questions that were "thought" to be easy weren't so. Even if they were, many committed silly mistakes. Including me.

By 16th evening, people thought the cutoff would be atleast above 100. Still way better than 75 of last year right!? Not really. By Monday evening, a few more sure-shot questions became "doubtful." There began a mutiny led by small-scale youtube channels saying the cutoff predictions were overblown. Few aspirants also started commenting on how the paper was not as easy as it was made out to be by the coaching mafia.

Tuesday and Wednesday saw more videos and by now, the cutoff predictions were more grounded around 95. Still many aspirants thought this was high.

Then two strange things happened on the same day. Insights said the cutoff won't cross 90 but vision stuck to the old range of 95-100. Even someone like "hardworking humans" stuck to their previous prediction of 98-100. So at this point, no one knows and no one can say, who is right and who's not.

Whatever be the case with cut-offs, I think UPSC probably knew what they were doing with the paper. It required real skill to make a relatively hard paper seem like an easy one. Or perhaps the 2023 paper broke our spirits so much that any paper would seem easy in front of it. But the paper was easy only on the surface I feel.

Anyways in the final analysis, this is all moot. Doesn't really matter in the slightest. I think our fates have already been decided and the results are gonna be out soon. Hopefully we all clear.

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25 Jun 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

25 June 2024 CNA Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

B. GS 2 Related

Category:Polity

1. Mamata says Bengal must be involved in any talks on sharing of Teesta water

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors

Prelims: Teesta

Mains: Issues on Teesta water

Context​: West Bengal Chief Minister recently communicated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stressing that any discussions regarding the Teesta river water treaty with Bangladesh must include the State government. 

• Teesta River Treaty: The sharing of Teesta waters between India and Bangladesh has been a contentious issue. An agreement was to be signed in 2011 under the UPA II government, but it was halted due to objections from Mamata Banerjee.
• Farakka Treaty (1996): An existing treaty concerning the sharing of Ganga waters, which Banerjee claims has adversely affected West Bengal’s water availability and river morphology.

Key Points in Communication

• Involvement of State Government: CM insists that no discussions on the Teesta river treaty should proceed without the State government’s involvement.
• Impact on North Bengal: Sharing Teesta waters with Bangladesh could lead to inadequate irrigation water, severely affecting the livelihoods of lakhs of people.
• Past Cooperation: CM highlights past cooperation with Bangladesh, including the exchange of enclaves and joint infrastructural projects.
• Criticism of Unilateral Decisions: She strongly criticizes any unilateral decisions by the central government without consulting the State, threatening protests if the State’s interests are ignored.

Water Availability

• Irrigation Concerns: The primary concern is the potential reduction in water availability for irrigation in North Bengal, which could impact agriculture and local livelihoods.
• Historical Grievances: Reference to the Farakka Treaty, which Banerjee claims has historically disadvantaged West Bengal, leading to displacement and loss of livelihood for lakhs of people.

Centre-State Relations

• State’s Rights: The issue underscores the ongoing tensions between state and central governments regarding jurisdiction and decision-making authority.
• Political Ramifications: The potential for large-scale protests and political fallout if the State’s interests are not adequately represented.

Significance

Geopolitical Relations

• India-Bangladesh Relations: The sharing of Teesta waters is a critical component of bilateral relations, impacting diplomacy and regional cooperation.
• Cultural and Economic Ties: West Bengal shares deep cultural and economic ties with Bangladesh, making cooperative water management crucial.

Socio-Economic Impact

• Agricultural Economy: The decision has direct implications for the agricultural economy of North Bengal, which is heavily dependent on Teesta waters.
• Livelihoods: Ensuring adequate water supply is vital for the sustenance and economic stability of the region’s population.

Inclusive Decision-Making

• State Involvement: Ensure that the State government is actively involved in all discussions and decisions regarding the Teesta water sharing agreement.
• Consultative Process: Establish a consultative process that includes stakeholders from both the central and state governments, as well as local communities.

Sustainable Water Management

• Technical Assessments: Conduct comprehensive technical assessments to understand the water requirements and availability for both regions.
• Joint Management: Explore joint water management practices that can benefit both West Bengal and Bangladesh without severely impacting either party.

Compensation and Support

• Financial Support: Ensure financial support and compensation for affected regions, including funds for maintenance and dredging as previously promised by the Centre.
• Livelihood Restoration: Implement programs to restore and support livelihoods that might be impacted by changes in water sharing.

Nut Graf: Chief Minister’s insistence on involving the West Bengal government in discussions on Teesta water sharing highlights the critical need for inclusive and consultative decision-making in matters of inter-state and international water management. 

C. GS 3 Related

Category:Security

1. Kuki-Zo groups take out rallies in Manipur seeking Union Territory

Syllabus: Role of state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security

Mains: Challenges to the Internal security of Manipur 

Context​: The Kuki-Zo tribal bodies in Manipur organized rallies across the hill districts, demanding the formation of a Union Territory (UT) with a legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution. This move aims to address the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state between the Kuki-Zo people and the Meitei community.

• Ethnic Conflict: The conflict between the valley-based Meitei community and the hills-based Scheduled Tribe Kuki-Zo people has been ongoing since May 3, 2023. Over 220 people have been killed, and tens of thousands have been internally displaced.
• Previous Attempts: Kuki-Zo MLAs had previously sought a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the crisis, but no meeting has been granted.

Rallies and Demands

• Locations: Rallies were held in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Chandel, Pherzawl-Jiribam, and Tengnoupal.
• Key Demands: The primary demand is the creation of a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo community to ensure their safety and political representation.
• Memoranda: Memoranda were submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through district administrations.

Counter-Protests

• Imphal Valley: Women vendors, known as ‘Imas’ or ‘mothers’, held demonstrations in Imphal, opposing the demand for a separate administration and accusing the Union government of siding with Kuki militants.

Ethnic Tensions

• Conflict Impact: The conflict has led to significant loss of life, displacement, and heightened ethnic tensions between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
• Security Concerns: The ongoing violence and lack of resolution have exacerbated insecurity among the affected populations.

Political Representation

• Lack of Consultation: Kuki-Zo leaders express frustration over the lack of dialogue with the central government.
• Demand for Autonomy: The call for a Union Territory reflects a desire for greater political autonomy and protection of the Kuki-Zo community’s interests.

Geopolitical Implications

• Regional Stability: The creation of a Union Territory could impact regional stability and inter-community relations within Manipur.
• National Security: Ensuring a peaceful resolution is crucial for maintaining national security and preventing further escalation.
• Displacement: Addressing the demands could help in resettling and rehabilitating displaced individuals.
• Economic Stability: Political stability can pave the way for economic development and growth in the conflict-affected regions.

Inclusive Dialogue

• Central Government Mediation: The central government should mediate between the conflicting parties to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
• Community Engagement: Involve both Kuki-Zo and Meitei leaders in discussions to address grievances and foster understanding.

Legislative Measures

• Constitutional Provisions: Explore constitutional provisions and frameworks to grant political autonomy without compromising the state’s territorial integrity.
• Legal Framework: Develop a legal framework to ensure the protection of rights and interests of all communities involved.

Humanitarian Aid and Development

• Rehabilitation Programs: Implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for displaced individuals.
• Development Initiatives: Launch development projects to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare in affected regions.

Nut Graf: The demand for a Union Territory by the Kuki-Zo tribal bodies underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the ethnic conflict in Manipur. The central government must engage in inclusive dialogue, considering the socio-political and economic implications of such a move. A balanced approach, addressing the concerns of both Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, is essential for lasting peace and stability in the region.

Category:Environment

1. The NITI Aayog’s project in Great Nicobar

Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation

Prelims: Great Nicobar 

Mains: Issues in  NITI Aayog’s project in Great Nicobar

Context​: The NITI Aayog’s mega project on Great Nicobar Island has sparked significant controversy and opposition due to its potential ecological, social, and legal impacts. The project involves substantial development activities, including the construction of an international transshipment terminal, an international airport, a power plant, and a township. Various political parties, tribal councils, environmentalists, and tribal rights groups have raised concerns over the potential violations and adverse effects of the project.

Project Overview

• Location and Demographics
• Great Nicobar Island: The southernmost part of India, part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
• Ecology: Lush rainforests, mangroves, and numerous endangered species.
• Communities: Home to Shompen and Nicobarese tribes, along with settlers from mainland India.

NITI Aayog’s Project

• Objective: Holistic development of the island, enhancing maritime and aviation infrastructure.
• Implementing Agency: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
• Components: International transshipment terminal, international airport, power plant, township.

Ecological Concerns

• Deforestation: Diversion of approximately 130 sq km of forest land, felling around 10 lakh trees.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Denotification of Galathea Bay and Megapode wildlife sanctuaries, crucial habitats for endangered species like the giant leatherback turtle and Nicobar megapode.
• Biodiversity: Potential undiscovered species and limited surveys in the region.

Social and Legal Concerns

• Tribal Rights: Alleged violations of legal and constitutional protections for tribal communities, particularly the Shompen and Nicobarese.
• Ancestral Land: Displacement and restricted return to ancestral lands post-tsunami resettlement.
• Health Risks: Risk of disease to the Shompen due to increased contact with outsiders.
• Consent Issues: Withdrawal of the no-objection certificate by the Tribal Council citing inadequate information and rushed consent process.

Seismic Risks

• Seismic Activity: Great Nicobar is in a seismically active zone, part of the “ring of fire”.
• Earthquake Risk: Frequent earthquakes, with the region experiencing close to 500 quakes in the last decade.
• Category V Zone: Highest seismic hazard zone in India, raising concerns about the structural safety of the proposed developments.

Economic Development

• Maritime Trade: Enhanced participation in global maritime trade via the transshipment terminal near the Malacca Strait.
• Tourism and Connectivity: Potential to boost tourism and connectivity through the international airport.
• Economic Growth: Overall economic development of the region, providing infrastructure and employment opportunities.

Environmental and Social Balance

• Ecological Impact: Need to balance economic development with the preservation of biodiversity and ecological wealth.
• Tribal Welfare: Ensuring that the rights and welfare of indigenous communities are protected and respected.

Environmental Protection

• Comprehensive EIA: Conduct thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to understand and mitigate ecological damage.
• Conservation Efforts: Implement stringent conservation measures to protect endangered species and habitats.

Tribal Rights and Involvement

• Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensure the involvement of tribal communities in decision-making processes.
• Legal Safeguards: Strengthen legal safeguards to protect tribal rights and prevent forced displacement.
• Health Measures: Implement health measures to prevent disease transmission to the Shompen community.

Seismic Safety

• Structural Integrity: Design and construct buildings and infrastructure to withstand seismic activity.
• Disaster Preparedness: Enhance disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to handle potential earthquakes.

Nut Graf: The NITI Aayog’s mega project on Great Nicobar Island presents a complex interplay of economic, ecological, and social dimensions. While it promises significant economic development and strategic advantages, the potential ecological damage and social disruptions necessitate a careful, balanced approach. Ensuring robust environmental protections, safeguarding tribal rights, and preparing for seismic risks are essential to achieving sustainable and inclusive development on the island.

D. GS 4 Related

E. Editorials

1. The Court spells the way in Himalaya’s development

Syllabus: Environmental Impact Assessment

Mains:   Sustainable Development  in the Himalayan region

Introduction: Sustainable Development as a Fundamental Right

• The Supreme Court of India’s recent judgments advocate for a sustainable development model in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), recognising it as a fundamental right.
• The Court emphasises an ecocentric view, where nature is central, underscoring the necessity of acting as trustees of Earth and respecting the rights of natural elements like rivers, mountains, and forests.

Consequences of Current Development Practices:

• The existing development model in the IHR, characterised by rampant construction and hydroelectric projects, directly contradicts the sustainable approach endorsed by the Court.
• Natural disasters in the region, like floods and landslides, have been linked to these aggressive development practices, highlighting the need for a revised approach that respects ecological limits.

Legal and Policy Directions for Sustainable Development:

• The Supreme Court has directed discussions on the carrying capacity of Himalayan states, signalling a shift towards more regulated development.
• The Court’s decisions intertwine the right to a stable environment free from climate change impacts with fundamental rights under the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of sustainable infrastructure and disaster resilience.

Need for Integrated Planning and Policy Convergence:

• Future development must incorporate disaster management to ensure resilience and sustainability.
• The Supreme Court calls for a convergence of science, policy, and community involvement in development planning to ensure that projects are both ecologically and socially sustainable.

Nut Graf: Recent judgments by the Supreme Court of India signal a shift towards sustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region, recognising it as a fundamental right and urging a model that balances economic growth with ecological integrity. Category:International Relations

1. TFrom China tilt to a balancing with Beijing and Delhi

Syllabus: India and its Neighborhood- Relations

Mains:  India-Maldives relation

Introduction: Mohamed Muizzu’s Shifting Foreign Policy

• Since assuming office as President of the Maldives in November 2023, Mohamed Muizzu has adopted a fluctuating stance towards India, transitioning from anti-Indian rhetoric to seeking a balanced foreign policy approach.
• Initially leaning towards reducing dependence on India, Muizzu’s government has increasingly engaged with China and diversified its international relationships to include countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Economic Challenges and External Dependencies:

• Despite efforts to diversify, the Maldives faces severe economic challenges including high debt levels, declining foreign reserves, and inflationary pressures on essential imports.
• This economic strain has prompted Muizzu to re-evaluate his reliance on external powers like China and seek more favourable terms for economic cooperation, including debt relief and grants.

India’s Role and Strategic Engagement:

• Despite strained relations, India has maintained significant diplomatic engagement with the Maldives, accommodating requests and increasing development assistance.
• India’s invitation to Muizzu for Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony signals a willingness to sustain bilateral ties and support the Maldives amidst its economic difficulties.

Strategic Balancing Act:

• Muizzu’s foreign policy strategy now emphasizes balancing relations between India and China, leveraging their regional competition to maximize benefits for the Maldives.
• This approach reflects a pragmatic recognition that neither country can be entirely alienated, with Muizzu aiming to secure the Maldives’ interests amid geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.

Nut Graf: Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, navigates a complex foreign policy balancing act between India and China amidst economic challenges. His strategy aims to leverage regional dynamics while maintaining crucial ties with both major powers.

F. Prelims Facts

1. India, Philippines rediscovering each other, BrahMos a game changer: envoy

Context: The bilateral relationship between India and the Philippines is experiencing a renaissance, marked by significant defence cooperation. The induction of BrahMos cruise missiles by the Philippines is seen as a “game changer” by the Philippines’ envoy, Josel F. Ignacio. This development highlights India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defence production and its expanding international footprint.

• BrahMos Deal: In January 2022, the Philippines signed a $375-million deal with India for three batteries of shore-based anti-ship BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
• Delivery: The first batch of these missiles was delivered in April 2023.

Key Points from the Envoy’s Statement

• Modernisation: India is a major source for the modernisation of the Philippines armed forces, currently in Phase 3 of their modernization termed Horizon-3.
• Defence Cooperation: Defence is one of the most visible and growing areas of cooperation between the two countries.
• Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): The cooperation is underpinned by an MoU on defence cooperation signed in 2006, reinforced in 2017 by another MoU on industry and logistics cooperation.

Significance of the BrahMos Deal

• For the Philippines: The BrahMos missiles provide credible defence and deterrent capabilities, significantly enhancing the Philippines’ military strength.
• For India: The deal represents the first overseas export of the BrahMos missile, showcasing India’s rising capabilities in the defence sector and affirming the prowess of its indigenous defence industry.

Historical Context and Evolution

• 2006 MoU: Initial defence cooperation agreement.
• 2017 MoU: Further reinforced cooperation on industry and logistics, facilitating equipment transfers and purchases.
• Implementing Arrangement: Facilitates government-to-government procurement of defence material and equipment.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• Renaissance in Relations: The defence deal symbolizes a renaissance in India-Philippines relations, fostering greater mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Strategic Partnership: Strengthens the strategic partnership, positioning India as a key partner in the Philippines’ military modernization efforts.

Boost to Indigenous Defence Industry

• First Export: The BrahMos deal is a milestone for India’s indigenous defence industry, marking its first major export.
• International Recognition: Enhances India’s reputation as a reliable supplier of advanced defence technology.

2. Maternity leave for parents of child born through surrogacy

Context: The Indian government has recently amended the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, to include provisions for maternity and paternity leave for parents of children born through surrogacy. This progressive step acknowledges the evolving dynamics of family structures and aims to provide equal benefits to parents irrespective of the means through which they have children.

New Provisions

Maternity Leave for Commissioning Mothers:

• Women government employees who have children through surrogacy are now entitled to 180 days of maternity leave.
• This provision applies if the commissioning mother has fewer than two surviving children.

Paternity Leave for Commissioning Fathers:

• Male government employees who have children through surrogacy are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave.
• The leave must be taken within six months from the date of delivery of the child and applies if the father has fewer than two surviving children.

Child Care Leave:

• Commissioning mothers are entitled to child care leave if they have fewer than two surviving children.
• Existing rules already allow for a maximum of 730 days of child care leave during the entire service period for female government servants and single male government servants.

Definitions:

• Surrogate Mother: The woman who carries and gives birth to the child on behalf of the commissioning parents.
• Commissioning Father: The intending father of the child born through surrogacy.

Previous Gap in Regulations:

• Prior to this amendment, there were no provisions for maternity leave for women government employees in cases of surrogacy.
• This gap led to disparities and a lack of support for commissioning mothers.

Administrative Implementation:

• Ensuring that all government departments uniformly apply the new rules might pose an administrative challenge.
• Awareness and training might be necessary to ensure seamless implementation.

Support for Non-Traditional Families:

• The amendment recognizes and supports diverse family structures, including those formed through surrogacy.
• It ensures that children born through surrogacy receive the same care and bonding time with their parents as those born biologically to their parents.

Promoting Gender Equality:

• The inclusion of paternity leave for commissioning fathers promotes shared parenting responsibilities.
• It supports the notion that childcare is not solely the mother’s responsibility and encourages fathers to take an active role.

Legal and Social Progress:

• This amendment marks significant progress in aligning labor laws with contemporary societal norms.
• It reflects a broader acceptance of assisted reproductive technologies and the rights of individuals who choose these methods.

3. India, Pak. delegations reach J&K to inspect power projects under Indus Water Treaty Context

Delegations from India and Pakistan, along with neutral experts, have arrived in Jammu and Kashmir to inspect two hydroelectric power projects under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). This marks the first visit by a Pakistani delegation to the region in over five years, signifying a crucial step in the dispute settlement mechanism of the 1960 treaty.

• Indus Water Treaty (IWT): Signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank as a signatory, the IWT sets out mechanisms for cooperation and information exchange between India and Pakistan regarding the use of cross-border rivers.
• Previous Inspections: The last inspection by a Pakistani delegation of the Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydroelectric projects occurred in January 2019.

Current Inspection Details

• Delegation Composition: Nearly 40 officials from both India and Pakistan, along with neutral experts.
• Locations: Inspections are focused on the Chenab valley region, specifically the 85-MW Ratle hydroelectric project and the 1,000-MW Pakal Dul hydroelectric project on the Marusudar River, a tributary of the Chenab.
• Logistics: The delegation arrived in Jammu on Sunday evening and proceeded to Kishtwar district for the inspections.

Water Allocation and Usage

• Dispute Settlement: Ensuring adherence to the IWT’s provisions regarding water usage and hydroelectric project construction.
• Environmental Impact: Assessing the potential environmental impact of the projects on the Chenab River and its tributaries.

Bilateral Relations

• Tensions: The inspections come amidst a backdrop of tense bilateral relations, making cooperation and communication vital for peaceful resolution.
• Trust Building: Such visits are crucial for building trust and reducing suspicions between the two countries.

Diplomatic Engagement

• First Visit in Five Years: The visit signifies a step towards active diplomatic engagement and adherence to treaty obligations.
• Conflict Prevention: Regular inspections and cooperation under the IWT are essential to prevent water-related conflicts between the two nations.

Regional Stability

• Water Security: Ensuring equitable water distribution and usage is vital for regional stability and the well-being of populations in both countries.
• Hydropower Development: Successful inspections can pave the way for further development of hydropower projects, contributing to energy security.

4. Kerala House passes resolution to rename the State ‘Keralam’

Context: The Kerala Assembly recently passed a resolution to rename the state ‘Keralam’, reflecting its name in the native Malayalam language. This resolution, proposed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, aims to amend the First Schedule of the Indian Constitution by invoking Article 3. This move follows a similar attempt last year, which faced procedural setbacks.

• Initial Resolution (2023): The first attempt to rename the state to ‘Keralam’ was sent back by the Centre due to procedural issues.
• Current Resolution (2024): Following advice from the Union Home Ministry, the focus shifted to amending only the First Schedule rather than all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.

The Resolution Details

• Article Invoked: Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states.
• Objective: To change the official name from Kerala to Keralam to align with the native pronunciation in Malayalam.

Chief Minister’s Statement

• Rationale: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the need to reflect the local name in official records. Despite ‘Keralam’ being the native name, it is officially recorded as Kerala.

Procedural Challenges

• Initial Rejection: The earlier resolution was rejected due to not adhering to procedural norms.
• Governmental Approval: Requires coordination and approval from the Central Government, which involves bureaucratic and procedural hurdles.

Linguistic and Cultural Considerations

• Cultural Identity: Reflecting the native name could enhance cultural identity and pride among residents.
• Linguistic Consistency: Aligning the official name with the Malayalam pronunciation ensures linguistic consistency.

Cultural Relevance

• Preservation of Heritage: Renaming the state to ‘Keralam’ is a step towards preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of Kerala.
• Identity Affirmation: Strengthens the state’s identity by officially recognizing the native name.

Administrative Impact

• Documentation Changes: All official documents, signage, and legal references will need updates, involving significant administrative efforts.
• Public Awareness: Ensuring that the public and all relevant stakeholders are aware of the change and its implications.

5. Apple becomes the first target of EU’s new digital competition rules aimed at big tech

Context:  The European Union (EU) has taken its first significant action under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) by charging Apple with anti-competitive practices. This move marks a pivotal step in the EU’s efforts to regulate big tech companies and prevent market monopolization.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA)

• The DMA aims to prevent tech giants, known as “gatekeepers,” from monopolizing digital markets.
• It introduces regulations to ensure fair competition and protect consumer interests.
• Targets major tech firms like Apple, Google, Meta, and others.
• Enforces stringent rules against anti-competitive practices with the threat of substantial financial penalties.

Charges Against Apple

Accusations:

• Apple is accused of preventing app makers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside its App Store.
• This practice is alleged to restrict competition and maintain high prices by enforcing the use of Apple’s payment system, which includes a commission of up to 30%.

Background:

• The charges stem from long-standing complaints by app developers, notably Spotify, about Apple’s restrictive policies.
• The EU’s probe is part of a broader investigation into whether Apple allows iPhone users to change web browsers easily and other competitive barriers.

Pressure on Apple

Transatlantic Scrutiny:

• Apple faces similar antitrust scrutiny in the United States. The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit accusing Apple of monopolizing the smartphone market.
• Allegations include stifling competition, hindering innovation, and maintaining high prices through exclusionary practices.

Global Implications:

• The charges reflect increasing global regulatory efforts to curb the market power of major tech companies.

Monopolistic Practices:

• Apple’s control over app distribution and payment methods can lead to monopolistic behavior, stifling competition.

High Consumer Prices:

• By mandating in-app purchases through its platform, Apple potentially keeps prices artificially high for consumers.

Innovation Stifling:

• Restrictive policies may hinder app developers from innovating and offering diverse services.
• Regulatory Precedent: The EU’s action sets a significant precedent for future regulatory measures against tech giants.
• Market Dynamics: Ensures fair competition and could lead to more diverse and affordable options for consumers.
• Global Impact: Highlights the importance of international cooperation in regulating big tech firms.

6. Critical minerals: first six blocks awarded

Context: The Union Mines Minister, G. Kishan Reddy, recently announced the winners of the first auction for mining rights of critical and strategic minerals held last November. The auction included 21 blocks, with six blocks being awarded initially. This initiative is part of India’s strategy to attain self-sufficiency in critical minerals, which are vital for various strategic and industrial applications.

Details of the Auction

Introduction of Fresh Tranche:

• A new tranche of auctions for mining rights in 21 blocks of critical and strategic minerals has been introduced.
• The first six blocks awarded are located in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

Offshore Mining:

• The auction process for offshore minerals will commence within the first 100 days of the Minister’s tenure.
• Ten offshore blocks have been identified for the initial phase of this auction.

Minerals and Locations

First Six Blocks:

• Likely to yield critical minerals such as phosphorite, lithium, graphite, and manganese.
• Locations include states with significant mineral potential: Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

Strategic Importance:

• Critical minerals like lithium, graphite, and manganese are essential for various strategic industries, including electronics, renewable energy, and defense.
• Reducing import dependence on these minerals is crucial for India’s economic and national security.

Economic Growth:

• Developing domestic mining capabilities for critical minerals will boost local economies and create job opportunities.
• Enhanced mineral production can contribute significantly to the GDP.

Technological Advancement:

• Availability of critical minerals is vital for advancing technology sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage solutions.
• Domestic production will support India’s goals in renewable energy and technological innovation.

Environmental Concerns:

• Mining activities, especially for critical minerals, can have significant environmental impacts.
• Sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices need to be enforced.

Regulatory Challenges:

• Ensuring a transparent and efficient regulatory framework for mining activities.
• Addressing potential delays in the start of production due to bureaucratic hurdles.

Community Impact:

• Mining activities can affect local communities, including displacement and loss of livelihoods.
• Ensuring fair compensation and rehabilitation for affected communities is essential

7. Srinagar’s ‘World Craft City’ tag will promote global links

Context:  Srinagar has been awarded the prestigious ‘World Craft City’ tag by the World Crafts Council (WCC), a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering artisans and safeguarding craft heritage globally. This recognition highlights Srinagar’s rich cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans.

Details of the Recognition

Awarding Body:

• The World Crafts Council (WCC), an NGO focusing on the promotion and preservation of craft heritage.

Significance:

• Acknowledges Srinagar’s historical and cultural significance in the world of crafts.
• Recognizes the skill base of Kashmiri artisans.

Impact on Global Links

Reviving Traditional Linkages:

• The ‘World Craft City’ tag is expected to revive Srinagar’s traditional links with Central Asia and Iran.
• The recognition will facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration with the 14 Iranian cities also listed as craft cities by the WCC.

Enhancing International Presence:

• Positions Srinagar on the global map as a center for traditional crafts.
• Promotes cultural and artistic exchanges with other craft cities worldwide.

Significance of the Tag

• Cultural Recognition: Validates the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Srinagar. Encourages the preservation and promotion of traditional Kashmiri crafts.
• Economic Boost: Likely to increase demand for Kashmiri crafts in international markets. Can attract tourists and buyers, boosting the local economy.
• Empowerment of Artisans: Provides a platform for Kashmiri artisans to showcase their skills globally. Enhances opportunities for training, knowledge exchange, and market access.
• Historical Reconnection: Reopens centuries-old cultural and trade routes that had diminished over time. Strengthens Srinagar’s historical ties with Central Asia and Iran.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

• Rangyong Chhu
• Rangit River

Choose the correct option from the code given below:

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

Explanation: Rani Khola is a right bank tributary of the Teesta River.

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

Explanation :5 PVTGs reside in Andamans archipelago. They are: Jarwas, Onges, Shompens, Great Andamanese and North Sentinelese.

• India and Pakistan signed the IWT in 1970.
• The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries on the use of the water of River Indus and its five tributaries.

Which of these statements is/are incorrect?

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation: India and Pakistan signed the IWT in 1960

(a) First Schedule

(b) Third Schedule

(c) Fifth Schedule

(d) Ninth Schedule 

Explanation: The first schedule contains the list of states and union territories and their territories.

(b) Srinagar

(c) Chennai

Explanation: Srinagar recently earned the World Craft City tag from the World Crafts Council (WCC), a non-government organisation

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

• Explain the importance of the Himalayan region in the context of India and present a framework for its sustainable development. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-3, Environment ]
• Explain the various parts of the Great Nicobar Development Project created by the Niti Ayog and also discuss the controversial points related to it.(15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Environment ]

Read previous CNA articles here.

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Announcing insights ias weekly writing essay challenge.

Dear students,

We all, by now, are well aware of the importance of the Essay paper in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The Essay paper, carrying 250 marks for 2500 words, tests not only the candidate’s depth of knowledge  and its various dimensions, but also their ability to articulate thoughts originally, clearly and coherently. Well written essay showcases a candidate’s understanding of diverse topics, the ability to analyze and critically evaluate issues, and the skill to present arguments originally, logically and persuasively.

The Essay paper is a chance to showcase your own personality on paper – the topics you select, the way you plan out the flow, the way you lay out the transitions, your perspectives, the examples and illustrations you use, and your ability to connect to the reader – all these together bring out your personality on paper.

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Further, to encourage and hone the essay writing skills of UPSC aspirants, we are excited to announce the Weekly Essay Challenge. This challenge is an excellent opportunity for you to practice and refine your essay writing abilities. We will continue to post an essay topic every Sunday. However, in this challenge, our team of evaluators will be selecting the Best Essay of the Week.

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