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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.

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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 2021 Mains Essay Question Paper

• January 7, 2022
• Mains , Questions , UPSC

UPSC 2021 Mains Essay Question

Essay writing is a crucial topic, from an exam point of view. While you can read and learn about the various disciplines and topics, it is hard to develop a good style of writing merely by reading books. Thus, writing practice has its own importance, that flows through each and every paper, that needs descriptive answers.

Write TWO Essays, choosing ONE from each of the Sections A and B, in about   1000-1200 words each. (125×2-250)

• 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”.

Download PDF  UPSC CSE 2021 Mains Essay Question Paper

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• UPSC Essay Paper pdf  

UPSC Essay Question Paper 2021

• UPSC Essay Question Paper 2021 [PDF Format]

UPSC Essay Question Paper 2020

• UPSC Essay Question Paper 2020 [PDF Format]

UPSC Essay Question Paper 2019

• UPSC Essay Question Paper 2019 [PDF Format]

UPSC Essay Question Paper 2018

Time Allowed: 3 hours

• 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
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• Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life
• “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

IAS (Main) written Essay paper 2017

• 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.
• Fulfillment 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.

IAS Essay paper 2016

• 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 Essay Question paper 2015

• 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.
• Technology cannot replace manpower.
• Crisis faced in India moral or economic.
• Dreams which should not let India sleep.
• Can capitalism bring inclusive growth ?

IAS (Main) written Essay paper 2014

• With greater power comes greater responsibility.
• Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
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UPSC Mains 2021 Question Papers

The UPSC Mains Examination has been scheduled to be conducted from 7th January 2022 to 16th January 2022. The candidates who have cleared the Preliminary exam 2021 which was held on October 10, 2021, would appear in the next level of the recruitment process, that is, Civil Services (Main) Examination. 

It is to be noted that the marks obtained in the IAS Exam Prelims by the candidates will not be counted for determining their final order of merit. 

The Civil Services (Main) Written Examination will consist of 9 papers of conventional essay type in the subjects out of which two papers will be of qualifying in nature. The marks obtained for all the compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper-VII) and Marks obtained in the Interview/Personality Test will be counted for ranking.

The aspirants can download the UPSC IAS 2021 Mains question papers PDF from this page. 

Note – The exams are yet to take place. The PDFs will be available shortly.

Meanwhile, to download the 2020, 2019 UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers , visit the linked article.  

Download UPSC CSE 2021 Mains GS Question Papers PDF

The candidates can download the IAS Mains 2021 GS papers from the following links. The link will be activated once the question papers are officially released by the commission on the official website. 

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

The candidates would be required to write essays on multiple topics. The candidates are expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. The essay paper is not just qualifying in nature but will be counted for the merit ranking. 

Therefore, the aspirants can download the Essay Paper and Compulsory English Language Paper from below:

• UPSC Mains 2021 Essay Paper PDF

Download UPSC Mains 2021 Language Papers

• UPSC Mains 2021 Compulsory English Paper

The aspirants can download the compulsory Indian language papers from the links below:

For more information, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Indian Language Papers from the linked article. 

Download UPSC 2021 Mains Optional Papers PDF

The candidates have to choose any one of the optional subjects from amongst the list of subjects prescribed by the commission. 

The candidates can also choose Literature of any one of the following languages as their optional subject. 

Also, check out UPSC Mains 2021 Optional Paper from the linked article.

Other related links:

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UPSC IAS Previous Year Question Papers PDF for Prelims and Mains Preparation

Ias exam latest updates.

• 09 August, 2024 : UPSC Mains Schedule 2024 Out; Exam from September 20

UPSC IAS Prelims Question Paper 2024 is available here to download in PDF format. UPSC IAS Prelims 2024 Exam is conducted on June 16, 2024. The UPSC IAS Prelims 2024 Exam shift timings are 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

UPSC Prelims 2024 GS and CSAT Question Paper with Answer Key

UPSC IAS Previous Year Question Papers are important for understanding the question pattern of the exam. You must refer to the stage-wise and subject-wise question papers to notice the important topics . They will also help you in understanding the UPSC IAS exam pattern and the weightage trends for previous years .

Another helpful aspect of solving question papers is finding the pattern in the questions. Even if you don’t find the same questions, you will probably notice similar questions being asked. Thus, you can plan your approach such questions which will help you in saving time on the exam day. Along with question papers, you should also take UPSC IAS Mock Tests for this purpose.

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While preparing for the exam, you have to remember that UPSC IAS Prelims exam is objective while the Mains demand descriptive answers. Solving more and more number of questions in an exam-like time-constrained manner helps you develop a habit of the same. This will benefit you in ensuring speed and accuracy.

Ques. Can I crack IAS in 3 months?

Ans. It generally takes candidates about 10 months to prepare for UPSC IAS exam. However, with smart strategies, consistency and dedication, you can clear the Prelims in 3 months. You need to ensure covering every topic, revising them regularly, and solving as many sample question papers and mock tests as possible.

Ques. Is IAS a tough exam?

Ans. IAS exam is considered to be one of the toughest exams in the country. It is very competitive due to the lakhs of candidates appearing for the exam against the vacancies of a couple thousands. However, if you’re consistent and dedicated in your preparations, you can clear the exams even in your first attempt.

Ques. How many hours of study are required for IAS?

Ans. UPSC IAS Syllabus is quite vast and it is important to cover each aspect of it. To ensure that, along with regular revisions, self-assessments, and mock tests, one needs to have a study plan of about 15-16 hours a day. It should be evenly distributed and must cover everything mentioned.

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UPSC Prelims 2022 Paper I and CSAT Question Papers

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UPSC Mains 2022 Language A Question Paper: September 24, 2022

UPSC Mains 2022 Language B Question Paper: September 24, 2022

UPSC Mains 2022 Optional Papers I and II- September 25, 2022

IAS prelims 2021 is available to download in PDF. UPSC Prelims 2021, was conducted in two shifts on October 10, 2021 while UPSC Mains 2021 Paper was conducted on the following dates: September 07, 08, 09, 15 and 16 2022.

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UPSC Mains 2021 Language A Question Paper- January 15, 2022

UPSC Mains 2021 Language B Question Paper- January 15, 2021

Upsc mains 2021 optional papers i and ii- october 16, 2021, check out current affairs 2021 . find out the best ias (upsc cse) books to prepare for the exam. preparation strategy of ria dabi (upsc air 15) in ias (upsc cse) 2020.

IAS prelims 2020 is available to download in PDF. UPSC Prelims 2020, was conducted in two shifts on October 05, 2020 while UPSC Mains 2020 Paper was conducted on the following dates: January 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2021

UPSC Prelims 2020 Paper I and CSAT Question Papers

UPSC Mains 2020 Previous Year Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2020 Language A Question Paper: January 16, 2022

UPSC Mains 2020 Language B Question Paper: January 16, 2021

Upsc mains 2020 optional papers i and ii - january 17, 2021.

IAS prelims 2019 is available to download in PDF. UPSC Prelims 2019, was conducted in two shifts on June 02, 2019 while UPSC Mains 2019 Paper was conducted on the following dates: September 20, 21, 22, 28 and 29, 2019.

UPSC Prelims 2019 Paper I and CSAT Question Papers

UPSC Mains 2019 Previous Year Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2019 Language A Question Paper- September 28, 2019

UPSC Mains 2019 Language B Question Paper- September 28, 2019

Upsc mains 2019 optional papers i and ii - september 29, 2019.

IAS prelims 2018 is available to download in PDF. UPSC Prelims 2018 was conducted in two shifts on June 03, 2018 while UPSC Mains 2018 Paper was conducted on the following dates: September 28, 29, 30, October 6 and 7, 2018.

UPSC Prelims 2018 Paper I and CSAT Question Papers

UPSC Mains 2018 Previous Year Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2018 Language A Question Paper- September 28, 2018

UPSC Mains 2018 Language B Question Paper September 28, 2018

Upsc mains 2018 optional papers i and ii - september 29, 2018.

IAS prelims 2017 is available to download in PDF. UPSC Prelims 2017 was conducted in two shifts on June 18, 2017 while UPSC Mains 2017 Paper was conducted on the following dates: October 28, 30, 31, November 1 and 3, 2017.

UPSC Prelims 2017 Paper I and CSAT Question Papers

UPSC Mains 2017 Previous Year Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2017 Language A Question Paper- November 01, 2017

Upsc mains 2017 language b question paper: november 01, 2017, upsc mains 2017 optional papers i and ii - november 03, 2017.

IAS prelims 2016 is available to download in PDF. UPSC Prelims 2016 was conducted in two shifts on August 07, 2016 while UPSC Mains 2016 Paper was conducted on the following dates: December 03, 05, 06, 07, 09 2016.

UPSC Prelims 2016 Paper I and CSAT Question Papers

UPSC Mains 2016 Previous Year Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2016 Language A Question Paper: December 07, 2016

UPSC Mains 2016 Language B Question Paper: December 07, 2016

Upsc mains 2016 optional papers i and ii - december 09, 2016.

IAS prelims 2015 is available to download in PDF. UPSC Prelims 2015 was conducted in two shifts on August 23, 2015 while UPSC Mains 2015 Paper was conducted on the following dates: December 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 2015.

UPSC Prelims 2015 Paper I and CSAT Question Papers

UPSC Mains 2015 Previous Year Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2015 Language A Question Paper- December 22, 2015

UPSC Mains 2015 Language B Question Paper- December 18, 2015

Upsc mains 2015 optional papers i and ii - december 23, 2015.

IAS prelims 2014 is available to download in PDF. UPSC Prelims 2014 was conducted in two shifts on August 24, 2014 while UPSC Mains 2014 Paper was conducted on the following dates: December 14, 15, 17, 19, 20 2014.

UPSC Prelims 2014 Paper I and CSAT Question Papers

UPSC Mains 2014 Previous Year Question Paper PDF

UPSC Mains 2014 Language A Question Paper- December 20, 2014

UPSC Mains 2014 Language B Question Paper- December 14, 2014

Upsc mains 2014 optional papers i and ii - december 19, 2014.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What are the most repeated questions in the UPSC exam?

Ans. The most frequently repeated topics in the UPSC exam include Indian Polity and Governance, Modern Indian History, Geography of India and the World, Indian Economy, and Economic Development, International Relations and Current Affairs, Ecology and Environment, Science and Technology, Social Issues and Social Justice, etc.

Ques. How many marks for one question in UPSC?

Ans. Every question in paper 1 is of 2 marks. So, the question paper is a total of 200 marks. Every question in the Civil Service Aptitude Test carries 2.5 marks.

Ques. Why solving UPSC question papers is important?

Ans. Solving the UPSC questions will make candidates acquainted with the MCQ pattern of the prelims. It is essential to develop speed and also learn tricks to avoid negative marks in the prelims paper.

Ques. How many UPSC test papers should be taken before the UPSC CSE exam?

Ans. With UPSC’s previous year’s question papers, aspirants are advised to attempt as many UPSC test paper series or mock tests for better understanding of the UPSC CSE Exam.

Ques. Are IAS Exam Questions tough?

Ans. Yes, IAS questions are difficult to answer. The nature of IAS questions differs in UPSC Prelims and Mains so aspirants should carefully go through previous years’ UPSC question papers to understand the pattern.

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[ GENERAL STUDIES PAPER – 4 ] : UPSC MAINS CIVIL SERVICES IAS EXAM 2021 QUESTION PAPER

DOWNLOAD ESSAY QUESTION PAPER : UPSC CSE MAINS 2021

DOWNLOAD GENERAL STUDIES QUESTION PAPER – 1 (UPSC IAS CIVIL SERVICES MAINS 2021)

DOWNLOAD GENERAL STUDIES QUESTION PAPER – 2 (UPSC IAS CIVIL SERVICES MAINS 2021)

DOWNLOAD GENERAL STUDIES QUESTION PAPER – 3 (UPSC IAS CIVIL SERVICES MAINS 2021)

UPSC MAINS GENERAL STUDIES PAPER – 4 MAINS 2021

GENERAL STUDIES

Q1. (a) Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (Answer in 150 words)

(b)   Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe                 the /ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the pubic servants. (Answer in 150 words)

Q2. (a)   Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is          debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)

(b)  Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high                 order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example. (Answer in 150 words)

Q3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you?

(a) “Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.-Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words)

(b) “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama                                                                          (Answer in 150 words)

(c) Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.” -Erik Erikson word        (Answer in 150 word)

Q4. (a) Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the elopement of human              How to build a suitable needed for a public servant?  (Answer in 150 words)

(b) In case of crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same             without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to  follow? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)

Q5. (a) “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution          or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension          being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society.    (Answer in 150 words)

(b)    Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make         a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.  (Answer in 150 words)

Q6. (a) An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every        sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance,  accountability and        ethical conduct. Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)

(b)  “Integrity is a value that empowers the human being.” Justify with suitable illustration.  (Answer in 150 words)

Q7. Sunil is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentness pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment. He was posted in a tribal dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from river belt and transporting through trucks and selling them in black market was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was operating with the support of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing selected poor tribals and had kept the tribals under fear and intimidation.

Sunil being a sharp and energetic officer immediately grasped the ground realities and the modus operandi followed by the mafia through their devious and dubious mechanism. On making inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office employees are in hand and glove with them and have developed close unholy nexus. Sunil initiated stringent action against them and started conducting raids on their illegal operations of movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got rattled as not many officers in the past had taken such steps against the mafia. Some of the office employees who were allegedly close to mafia informed them that the officer is determined to clean up the mafia’s  illegal sand mining operations in that the district and may cause them irrepairable damage.

The mafia turned hostile and launched counter-offensive. The tribal musclemen and mafia srted threatening him with dire consequences. His family  (wife and old mother) were stalked and were under virtual surveillance and thus causing mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The matter assumed serious proportions when a muscleman came to his office  and threatened him to stop raids, etc., otherwise, his fate will not be different than some of his predecessors (ten years back one officer was killed by the mafia).

• Identify the different options available to Sunil in attending to this situation.
• Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.
• Which of the above, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Sunil to adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)

Q8. You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle – class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during annual examination the flying squad came from the university caught two students red-hande3d involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these student in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running of the college. You immealately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters.

• Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
• Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words)

Q9. An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular state. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in next two years by 20 June, 2021, since this project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announced in the second week of July 2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by inspecting team, a minor crack was noticed in one of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to poor material used. You immediately informed the chief engineer and stopped further work. It was assessed by you that minimum three piers of the elevated corridor have to be demolished demolished and reconstructed. But this process will delay the project minimum by four to six months. But the chief engineer overruled the observation of inspecting team on the ground that it was a minor crack which will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered  you to  overlook the observation of inspecting team and continue working with same speed and tempo. He informed you that the minister does not want any delay as he wants the chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor before the elections are declared. Also informed you that the contractor is far relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you hint that your further promotion as additional chief engineer is under consideration with the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier of the elevated corridor will adversely affect the health and life of the bridge and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair the elevated corridor.

• Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager?
• What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager?
• What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges?
• What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team? (Answer in 250 words)

Q10 The coronavirus disease (CoVID-19) pandemic has quickly spread to various countries. As on May 8th, 2020, in India 56342 positive cases of corona had been reported. India with a population of more than 1-35 billion had difficulty in controlling the transmission of coronavirus among its population. Multiple strategies became necessary to handle this outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India raised awareness about this outbreak and to take all necessary actions to control the spread of COVID-19. Indian Government implemented a 55-day lockdown throughout the country to reduce the transmission of the virus. Schools and colleges had shifted to alternative mode of teaching- learning-evaluation and certification. Online mode became popular during these days. India was not prepared fora sudden onslaught of such a crisis due to limited infrastructure in terms of human resource, money and other facilities needed for taking care of this situation. This disease did not spare anybody irrespective of caste, creed, religion on the one hand and have and have not’ on the other. Deficiencies in hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, hospital staff and crematorium were the most crucial aspects You are a hospital administrator in a public hospital at the time when coronavirus had attacked large number of people and patients were pouring into hospital day in and day out.

• What are your criteria and justification for putting your clinical and non-clinical staff to attend to the patients knowing fully well that it is highly infectious disease and resources and infrastructure are limited?
• If yours is a private hospital, whether your justification and decision would remain same as that of a public hospital? (Answer in 250 words)

Q11. A Reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost sane quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earned substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the food company was not only selling products which were not meeting the health standard of the country but also selling the rejected export products in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the food company.

• What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in domestic market?
• What course of action is available with the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation?
• Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.    (Answer in 250 words)

Q12. Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seem to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss’s style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publically. It became apparent that though there are no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realized that his relations with his senior officer are becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even t home. Rather without any reason he would loose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and humiliation suffering by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus it damaged his physical and mental health.

• What are the options available with Pawan to cope with the situation?
• What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquillity and congenial environment in the office and home?
• As an outsider, what are your Suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene?
• In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for at various levels in the government offices? (Answer in 250 words)

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Judge Mathis’ Estranged Wife Serves Him Divorce Papers at $5 Million L.A. Mansion

Judge Greg Mathis ’ estranged wife, Linda Mathis , is quickly moving her divorce from the television star forward, In Touch can exclusively reveal.

According to court documents obtained by In Touch, Linda, 61, hired a process server to personally serve her husband with the divorce papers. The process server drove out to their $5 million home in Beverly Hills at 10:30 a.m. Linda said her husband was handed the paperwork.

Linda filed for divorce on August 22 and had Greg, 64, served the following day.

The exes have been married for 39 years. In her petition, Linda cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. She put the date of separation as July 17. The duo has four adult children, Amir, Jade, Greg Jr, and Camara, which makes the issues of custody and child support moot. Linda checked the box to request spousal support from Greg and asked that he be cut off from any support.

A couple of days later, Greg spoke to TMZ about the divorce while arriving at LAX airport. Greg said he was experiencing “the worst days of his life.” When asked how he was holding up, the television judge said, “I’m not holding up very well. Maybe I’ll be an example for another man, cautionary tale, don’t neglect your wife. That’s what happens, guys.”

He continued, “Never be too busy. Never have too much fun beyond your wife.” Greg explained that his work schedule had created issues in his marriage. He said he had been on the road for weeks at a time, which he believed his wife did not appreciate.

Greg said he moved his show to Los Angeles earlier this year and the plan was to spend more time with Linda.

“I committed to staying home more and making my wife more of a priority, but as you see, I haven’t,” he said. “I’m still here on the road doing the same thing in terms of going out and to another city.”

He said they were still living in the same house and he was “trying to get my wife back.”

Deal of the Day

Greg said he had to show her through his actions. “Hopefully, I can show her while we’re there together and hopefully, she doesn’t complete the [divorce] process.”

He said he was “changing” in hopes that she would stick around. “I’m going to get my wife back,” he proclaimed. On top of that, he said he wanted to eliminate any rumors that he had a secret baby or cheated. Regarding his wife potentially believing he cheated. “Neglect can create suspicion, certainly,” he said .

“If you’re gone as much as I am, she has every right to suspect. You go to work, and you go to serve the community around the country. Then, you go with your guys to sporting events around the country and you go to other events without your wife. She would have a right to suspect infidelity.”

“That’s not the reason for this,” he ended. Linda has yet to respond to Greg’s statements he plans to win her back and have her call off the divorce.

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[Download] UPSC IAS Mains 2021 GS 1 Question Paper

ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.

Dear Friends,  2nd day of Mains 2021 has been started. Today the exam is being conducted for general studies 1 and 2 in two sessions. In the first session, GS paper 1 has been conducted. You can download the PDF of UPSC IAS Mains 2021 GS paper 1 question paper using the link given below:

UPSC IAS Mains 2021 GS paper 1 question paper PDF

UPSC IAS Mains 2021 GS 1 Questions

1. Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and its contribution to  Indian culture.  ( 150 words 10 marks)

2. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.  ( 150 words 10 marks)

3. Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. ( 150 words 10 marks)

4. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. ( 150 words 10 marks)

5. Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product(GDP) in percentage. Discuss. ( 150 words 10 marks)

6. what are the environmental implications of the reclamation of the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. ( 150 words 10 marks)

7. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. ( 150 words 10 marks)

8. Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. ( 150 words 10 marks)

9. Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. ( 150 words 10 marks)

10. Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. ( 150 words 10 marks)

11. To what extent did the role of the moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (250 words  15 marks )

12. Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (250 words  15 marks )

13. ” There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (250 words  15 marks )

14. Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (250 words  15 marks )

15. How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (250 words  15 marks )

16. Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (250 words  15 marks )

17. What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (250 words  15 marks )

18. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (250 words  15 marks )

19. What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (250 words  15 marks )

20. How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (250 words  15 marks )

PDF of GS paper 2 will be available immediately after the examination.

UPSC Mains for the 2021 examination has been started on 7th January. The first paper was conducted for essay and today is the 2nd day.

You download the PDF of the UPSC Mains 2021 Essay paper here . Or

You can access all the previous year question papers along with the present ones, on this page

Following is the schedule for the upcoming UPSC mains 2021 papers:

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